“I said no.”
She never believed she owed Jamir anything. “The one who left first has no right to question me.”
There was a moment of silence on the other end, only the sound of breathing could be heard.
After a while, Callie’s hands, warmed by Nelson, started to feel cold again. She grew impatient. “If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up.”
She moved quickly, but still heard Jamir’s last words before the call ended, “Does Nelson know I taught you piano?”
She looked up in the cold wind, gazing at Nelson’s indifferent back as he continued his phone call.
He didn’t know. If he did, he would be furious.
She walked forward and overheard Nelson saying, “Keep an eye on things, no mistakes allowed.”
He hung up and turned around. His cold expression hadn’t changed, and he was momentarily taken aback when he saw her innocent face.
Callie was also surprised. The words she had prepared got stuck in her throat. “What happened? Why do you look so upset?”
Nelson lowered his eyes, softening a bit. “It’s nothing, just work.”
Callie nodded, somewhat understanding, and let him lead her forward. “Nelson…”
She looked up, wanting to say something but hesitated.
He responded with a hum, ready to listen.
But seeing his still troubled face, she thought he must still be worried about work. She decided to hold back for now and shook her head. “It’s nothing. It’s too cold. Let’s go home.”
Nelson didn’t press further.
Callie thought she would explain when there was a better opportunity.
Before the New Year, Reuben complained about being bored at the Paucaster Villa and wanted to go out. Callie had to take him to the supermarket to buy New Year’s groceries.
Finally having some free time, Reuben felt much better. “Will Grandpa from the Oconnor family come on New Year’s Eve?”
“Of course.” Callie paused and then added, “But his legs aren’t very good. I was thinking we could go back to the old mansion for New Year’s. What do you think, Reuben?”
“That works too.”
Callie teased him, “You’re quite generous.”
“In your father’s eyes, I’m always unreasonable.”
They both laughed.
In the bustling surroundings, Callie suddenly brought up, “Reuben, you used to be a doctor, right?”
Reuben’s face turned serious immediately. “Did you look in my box, Callie?”
She raised her hands in surrender. “I just took a quick look and saw your medical license.”
Reuben pointed a finger at her, testing her words. “Just a quick look?”
Callie’s eyes darted around. “And I saw a few thousand dollars…”
Her expression was guilty but not angry. She must not have seen what was at the bottom of the box. Reuben frowned but felt relieved. “That’s my retirement money. Don’t even think about stealing it.”
Callie laughed. “Who wants your money? You haven’t answered me yet-were you a doctor?”
Reuben clearly didn’t want to talk about it. “It’s in the past… I’ve forgotten.”
“How could you forget? This…”
Reuben suddenly walked faster, clearly avoiding the topic. “I really forgot. Talking about it gives me a headache. Don’t ask anymore.”
Seeing this, Callie had no choice but to keep quiet, helplessly watching the old man’s back. He was like a child.
The Oconnor family was grand, but this year, Nelson had no plans to return for the ancestral rites.
After all, he was about to send Dale away. Facing everyone now would be too awkward.
Grandpa had no objections. “I’m old now. You are in charge of the Oconnor family. Do as you see fit.”