The process of quitting smoking was tough, but after seeing her, the craving subsided a bit; she could replace his addiction.
Callie squatted down, feeling extremely aggrieved. “Nelson, you are always like this. Why do you think what you believe is right? Does my opinion matter at all? From beginning to end, I am just an accessory to you.”
Nelson lowered his gaze.
He listened and patiently weighed the pros and cons for her. “What I just said, in just six months, you can leap to the top of this industry without anyone knowing you did it as my accessory. Isn’t that good?”
“No!”
Callie shouted, turning her head as the wind blew her hair. “I didn’t achieve it through my own efforts but relied on you paving the way. Such an achievement wouldn’t make me happy.”
“Quite principled.”
“A businessman values profit over feelings. I can’t be as ruthless as you, seizing opportunities without considering the feelings of those around me.”
Nelson squinted his eyes. He bent down and pinched Callie’s chin. “You know, I used to be like you. Since I embarked on this path, all principles have vanished.”
Callie was forced to stare into his dark eyes.
“Don’t talk to me about feelings. Except for you, I have no feelings for anyone. I haven’t taken action against Jaquan yet because of you. You better not anger me, understand? Callie.”
His tone grew increasingly dangerous. Callie understood he wasn’t joking.
Her gaze remained stubborn but gradually softened.
Callie’s head began to ache intensely. She started to regret getting involved with this man. Every word he said hit her soft spot.
She stood up, and for a moment, blood rushed to her head, making her dizzy. She staggered a few steps before Nelson caught her. “I’ll give you two days to think about it. During these two days, I’ll consider taking action against Scott Group. Try me if you dare.”
Callie was incredulous. “You’re still threatening me!”
“No choice, you’re not being a good girl.”
Nelson’s tone was very gentle as he pressed his fingertip against Callie’s lips with force.
Callie turned and walked away, not wanting to see him anymore. There was no reasoning with him.
She returned to Reuben’s place, occasionally looking back but surprisingly not seeing him follow. The path behind her was empty.
She hadn’t seen Reuben in a long time. His recovery was better than expected. When he saw her, he just sighed, “Let’s eat first.”
At the dining table, Callie kept her head down. “Reuben, these past two months, I… I’ve encountered some things…”
Reuben raised his hand to stop her from continuing. “You don’t need to tell me. This is your life; whatever you want to do is your right.”
Callie paused and met his gaze, then smiled in relief. “Okay.”
Reuben poured her a cup of water and suddenly mentioned, “I’ve been doing quite well. Joaquin often comes to see me, and… Nelson also visits frequently.”
Callie was a bit surprised.
“He’s quite sincere, but if you don’t like him, just end it,” Reuben said seriously. “I’ll cover for you.”
Upon hearing this, Callie’s eyes immediately reddened. Her heart, which had felt empty for so many years, seemed to find its place.
She realized she had someone protecting her too.
“Okay.” She blinked, tears falling as she reached out to hug Reuben.
But ending it? Callie herself wasn’t sure yet.
The next day, on her way to the studio, a Porsche blocked her path.