Reuben said something to Joaquin, and when the latter left the room, he looked dejected and didn’t dare to lift his head.
Callie noticed this from the corner of her eye, sighed, and asked the man beside her, “Has Joaquin been at Club Paradise these days?”
Nelson scooped a spoonful of soup and brought it to her lips. “Taste it.”
She opened her mouth.
“Bridger won’t make mistakes. He has claim to discipline Joaquin, so Joaquin surely can’t leave. No worries. Bridger is good at it.”
“The taste is just right.” Callie nodded, then turned and left the kitchen. She saw Joaquin just reaching the door, about to leave.
“Stay,” she said. Both Joaquin and Reuben looked up in surprise.
She paused, “It’s late. Stay for dinner.”
“Sis…”
“Callie,” Reuben said worriedly.
Callie didn’t respond to him but instead told Joaquin, “Don’t just stand there, come help with the dishes.”
Soon, Joaquin was all smiles, responding quickly and heading into the kitchen.
It was a rare family reunion, the warm light filling the room. During dinner, Joaquin raised his glass. “Sis, I was such a jerk before. I wronged you, and I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. I’ll help you take care of Dad from now on.”
Everyone fell silent. Callie was surprised by his apology, her eyes welling up as she forced a smile. “Grown up?”
“Grown up,” Joaquin said with genuine remorse.
Callie then raised her glass and clinked it with his. “That’s good.” She drank it all in one go.
The meal was enjoyed by all. Nelson, still recovering, couldn’t drink alcohol but frequently served food to the elders and Callie.
After dinner, Callie volunteered to wash the dishes, and Joaquin followed, offering to help. Nelson sat in the living room with the elders, personally brewing tea with great care and sincerity.
Callie had left her phone with Nelson. It suddenly vibrated, and he glanced at it out of habit. It was a message from someone named Sienna: “Callie, my daughter visited me today and learned about how you saved me. She wants to thank you properly. When are you available?”
Nelson frowned slightly; the name seemed familiar.
He scrolled up through their chat history but found nothing except for a verification message from a few days ago.
When everything was done, Grandpa insisted on staying over because he liked having company. Nelson had no choice but to leave with Callie.
In the car, Callie sat in the passenger seat and recounted the events of that day in detail. “You know, she has such a gentle demeanor. She’s the kindest aunt I’ve ever met. Look, this lucky charm on the car was given by her for safety.”
Indeed, there was a lucky charm hanging in the car.
“She said it would keep me safe. I don’t drive much, so I’m giving it to you, Nelson, to keep you safe,” Callie said with a smile.
He smiled back.
She continued to mumble, “I wonder what kind of daughter she has. She must be just like her.”
As she spoke, she politely declined Sienna’s offer, saying she was busy and there was no need for special thanks.
“Old mansion, temple,” Nelson repeated the key words.
“Yes, is there something wrong?”
Nelson gripped the steering wheel, unable to pinpoint what felt off, and shook his head lightly. “No, you did well.”
“Next time we go back to the old mansion, let’s visit her together. She seems quite lonely living alone,” Callie suggested sincerely.
“Alright.”