“That’s a relief,” Nelson said as he reached for the teapot and poured some hot water into Ahmad’s cup. “Did you visit the spine specialist I recommended last time?”
Ahmad closed his eyes and continued to rest. “That’s more band-aid than it is solution.”
Sienna stared at the Buddhist beads on Nelson’s wrist for a long time before exchanging a glance with Callie.
Faced with her meaningful look, Callie instinctively wanted to avoid it, feeling somewhat guilty for some reason.
“Nelson, you don’t need to worry. This winter, I’ll take care of Father until he gets better,” Jaquan interjected, emphasizing the word “Father.”
Nelson raised an eyebrow. “I heard the Scott Group’s project with the government has started. Aren’t you busy?”
At this mention, Callie suddenly felt a burning gaze on her.
Jaquan smiled. “There’s someone reliable overseeing the project for me. Nothing will go wrong.”
“Jaquan, you’re always so busy. I’m sure you can find the time,” Nelson said ambiguously. He then turned to Marilyn. “Marilyn, don’t stress too much. Those old stubborn people are dissatisfied with you being their leader. That’s perfectly normal. After all, some past decisions were indeed… poorly considered. Don’t you agree?”
He hesitated before using the term “poorly considered.”
Everyone knew that everything Marilyn had done since taking office was aimed at the Oconnor Group, but it had never been openly discussed.
Now, with Nelson’s veiled criticism, Marilyn looked up, momentarily flustered. Her smile was more like a grimace. “You’re right, I understand.”
“Why is Callie here today? Nelson, are you that clingy in private?” Jaquan teased.
“I’m clingy,” Nelson admitted openly. “Mainly because she heard Mr. Ellison wasn’t well and was worried, so she insisted on coming along to check on him.”
Few believed this explanation, but Marilyn was genuinely startled. She scrutinized Callie with suspicion.
Why would she worry about Ahmad? Did she know something?
A father’s intuition… could she have sensed something was wrong?
Marilyn’s heart raced for several seconds.
“Yes, I’ve met Mr. Ellison a few times. He was very kind to me. When I heard he was ill, I was concerned,” Callie said smoothly.
In fact, Ahmad had indeed “taken care” of her quite a bit.
“Really?” Marilyn gritted her teeth secretly.
At that moment, a servant entered the room carrying breakfast. “Mr. Ellison, it’s time for breakfast.”
She walked straight in and brushed past Callie, who stepped aside to make way.
Only then did Callie notice that the servant was quite young and attractive, with a typical virtuous wife and mother look.
She meticulously served Ahmad his meal while Sienna watched silently from the side.
It was Marilyn who spoke up. “Averie, you’re a bit late today.”
“Oh, Mr. Ellison wanted custard buns with runny centers, and we ran out of ingredients, so I went out to buy some.”
Her answer was flawless.
Marilyn seemed to trust her and didn’t ask further questions.
Nelson took the opportunity to bid farewell to everyone, saying he would visit Ahmad again when he had time. He then took Callie’s hand and left the ward.
Once they were out of the stifling atmosphere and outside the hospital, Callie let out a heavy sigh of relief. Nelson noticed her tension and squeezed her hand. “Thank you for your effort.”
Callie pouted.
Anthony stepped forward at the right moment. “Mr. Oconnor, your flight is about to depart.”
Nelson nodded. “I have to go now. Shall I have the driver take you?”
“Okay.”