Nelson’s grandfather was in his twilight years, spending most of his time sitting in a rocking chair reading newspapers.
When Callie arrived, Bianca was watering the flowers in the yard. She was startled when she saw Callie. “Callie!”
“Bianca.”
Nelson’s grandfather heard the commotion and quickly put down his newspaper to come out. “You naughty girl, why didn’t you say you were coming? I could have sent someone to pick you up. Did you walk here by yourself?”
Callie looked hurt. “Yes, the car could only stop halfway up the hill, so I walked the rest of the way.”
Nelson’s grandfather felt heartbroken upon hearing this and quickly took the gifts from her hands, inviting her into the house.
Once Callie sat down, she first checked Grandfather’s medical records to see if he had gone for his follow-ups on time. Only when she saw that everything was fine did she finally breathe a sigh of relief.
“Why didn’t Nelson bring you here?”
“I’ve resigned from Oconnor Group, Grandfather.” Callie was now much more at ease with Grandfather than when she first met him. “I’ve started a studio, and it’s not far from the old mansion, so I can visit you often.”
Grandfather nodded with a mix of understanding and confusion, looking at her with a hint of pity. He patted Callie’s hand. “Marrying into the Oconnor family has been hard on you.”
He had heard about the grievances she had suffered with Nelson recently.
Every time she saw Grandfather, she would wear the bracelet he gave her, and today was no exception.
Callie played with it absentmindedly, her expression serious. “I’m fine, Grandfather. I think it’s worth it.”
Grandfather showed a satisfied and comforting smile. “Has your father woken up?”
“You know?” She was a bit surprised.
“Nelson told me.”
He had actually mentioned it; she thought he didn’t care about this matter.
“He’s awake and undergoing rehabilitation. He’s not very agile but can barely walk,” Callie said thoughtfully. “When he’s better, I’ll bring him to visit you.”
“No way. Your father is a patient; I should be the one visiting him. Just give me the address and I’ll handle the rest,” Grandfather said angrily.
“You are an elder…”
“Callie, just skip those formalities. Since you’ve married into the Oconnor family, you’re part of our family.” Bianca said gently as she poured her a cup of tea. “Besides, your grandfather is bored at home every day.”
“Alright then.” Callie felt a bit embarrassed and smiled at Nelson’s amiable grandfather.
She had dinner at the old mansion and chatted with Grandfather for a long time before deciding to leave.
Grandfather was reluctant to let her go, but she insisted, saying, “Nelson will come to pick me up, don’t worry.” Only then did she manage to leave.
Unexpectedly, just as she walked out of the old mansion, she saw several black Bentleys parked in front. Bianca and Grandfather exchanged glances as they saw Dale and others get out of the cars. Dale was surprised to see Callie. “Callie is here too.”
Callie only had eyes for Shamar behind Dale. Compared to their last meeting, he seemed much more reserved and less spirited, avoiding her gaze.
“Uncle.”
“Are you leaving?”
Callie always felt a bit intimidated in front of him but showed no sign of it on her face. “Yes, Uncle. It’s quite late for you to visit Grandfather.”
A subtle jab at him for disturbing the elder’s rest.
“Oh, I have urgent matters.” Dale gave Callie a deep look before turning his head. “Shamar, you’re becoming more and more unruly. Why didn’t you greet your sister-in-law? I heard it was her help that got you through your last crisis.”
Shamar finally looked up. “Hello, Callie.”