Callie was stunned and surprised. “You recognized me even with a mask on?”
Anthony was both shocked and delighted. “Of course, Mr. Oconnor has been looking for you for the past two months. I could recognize you even with your face covered.”
Callie glanced anxiously at Nelson. “I’ll explain another day; I need to leave now.”
“No way, I finally found you.” Anthony looked at the anxious Mikayla beside him, then grabbed Callie’s wrist, refusing to let her go. “At least meet Mr. Oconnor first.”
He started to pull her towards Nelson.
Callie wished she could disappear. “No, really, I can’t…”
The commotion caught Nelson’s attention, and he looked over, followed by Marilyn.
Callie immediately turned around.
Marilyn recognized her and nervously glanced at Nelson. Seeing his expression, she cautiously reminded him, “Nelson, this is not the right occasion…”
But Nelson stepped towards Callie.
He started walking quickly but slowed down as he got closer, his steps becoming cautious.
Jaquan, who had been watching the situation, saw this too. He wanted to step forward to protect her but noticed Isaac preparing to leave. He stopped, “Isaac, have another drink.”
Isaac paused. “Jaquan, you are in a good mood today.”
“Marilyn said she would announce something important tonight. Don’t you want to see what it is?”
Isaac hesitated but eventually stayed.
Nelson had already reached Callie, but at that moment, Marilyn suddenly shouted, “What’s on your head?”
Everyone gathered around, curious.
Nelson stopped in his tracks. Callie turned around and saw the man she hadn’t seen in a long time standing in front of her.
They stared at each other from a distance. Everything around them seemed to freeze.
It felt like an eternity in a single glance.
Their eyes were only for each other, causing Marilyn to panic.
She continued to shout, “What’s on your head?”
Callie snapped back to reality and removed her hat-it was Jaquan’s.
A new fall collection from LV, quite expensive.
Marilyn stepped forward and snatched it away. “This is mine. Did you steal it?”
Callie’s mind went blank as she faced countless eyes. She wanted to retreat and shook her head. “I didn’t steal your hat.”
Mikayla quickly added, “Miss Ellison, she didn’t steal your hat!”
“You say she didn’t? She was sneaking around late at night with a mask on. Who knows what she’s up to? Does she have an invitation?”
Marilyn spoke quickly, deliberately ignoring the powerful presence of the man beside her.
“I… she…” Mikayla was anxious but didn’t know how to explain in front of so many people.
Marilyn’s gaze was distant. “I’m asking her; why are you so anxious?”
Mikayla closed her mouth and looked to Nelson for help.
The man’s expression was inscrutable, his aura powerful. He kept his eyes on Callie as if she were the only person in the world.
“No invitation?” Marilyn walked up to Callie and raised the hat. “Then tell me, do you know the features of this hat?”
Callie squinted but said nothing.
“There’s a small watercolor flower on the back that I painted.” She turned it over, revealing a daisy.
Marilyn was right.
Callie closed her eyes, knowing she would be accused of theft.
But here, she couldn’t mention Jaquan’s name.