Callie had a rough night, but by the next day, she knew exactly what she wanted.
“Sure.” Nelson was running on the treadmill in the gym on the second floor, sweat dripping down his neck, exuding pure masculinity. He took the water bottle handed to him by the petite woman beside him. “If you want to do it, go ahead.”
Callie leaned on the equipment, smiling brightly. “What about the funding…?”
Nelson tilted his head back to drink, his Adam’s apple moving as he swallowed. When he finished, he replied, “You have my full support.”
Hearing this, Callie jumped up and kissed Nelson on the corner of his mouth. “Thanks, hubby.”
She rarely called him that, and the sudden term of endearment sent a jolt through Nelson. By the time he snapped out of it, she was already running off, her lively figure disappearing into the distance.
With his approval, Callie agreed to Regan’s proposal to start a studio together. Regan had money but not a big budget. If Nelson was willing to invest, everything would fall into place.
Over the years, Callie had worked on numerous projects and built a network of contacts. Plus, she had won the Golden Bund Award, so preparations went smoothly and quickly.
They named their studio “Blank,” symbolizing a fresh start.
Callie called Litzy, one of the few people she trusted in the industry. Thankfully, Litzy didn’t hesitate when she got the call. “I’d love to help you.”
Callie was surprised by her decisiveness. “A job at Oconnor Group is a dream for many.”
Litzy was nonchalant. “I know, but working with you means more to me.”
“We have nothing.”
“Then we’ll start from scratch.”
Callie was touched. Litzy even brought two trusted colleagues from Oconnor Group, easing half of their recruitment burden.
When Nelson found out, he raised an eyebrow. “Callie, poaching people right in front of me? You’ve got some nerve.”
She lifted her chin. “Oconnor Group is full of talents. Mr. Oconnor won’t mind, right?”
“We’re family. Working for either of us is the same.” Nelson wrapped an arm around her shoulders, speaking casually but with a possessive undertone.
Callie felt a bit embarrassed.
The night before the studio’s opening, as Callie was about to leave, she noticed a Rolls-Royce parked downstairs. The license plate wasn’t Nelson’s. The window rolled down to reveal Isaac.
He was as gentlemanly as ever. “Callie.”
Callie didn’t know how to address him. “Regan is still inside. I’ll go get her.”
Isaac had stepped out of the car. “No need to rush. I’ll go in myself.”
Hearing footsteps returning, Regan turned around with a smile. “I told you we’re fine. What are you worrying about?”
Upon seeing who it was, her smile froze.
Callie stood behind Isaac, unable to see his expression. “I was worried when you didn’t come home, so I came to check on you.”
Regan’s demeanor changed, looking flustered. “Oh, I was busy and got home late.”
Isaac walked up and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Why didn’t you send me a message to let me know?”
Regan avoided his gaze. “I… I forgot.”
For some reason, Callie felt that Regan’s smile was stiff and unnatural. They looked nothing like a newlywed couple.
“Since we’re here, let’s give Callie a ride home.” Isaac tidied up the items on her desk with great care. Litzy pulled Callie aside and said, “Regan’s husband is so gentle with her. I’m really envious.”