Half an hour later, Nelson arrived.
Reuben was helped out of the car, muttering, “Nelson, you’re considerate.”
“It was our oversight not to have you stay at the old mansion,” Nelson said calmly.
No matter how well his grandfather treated him, for Reuben, it was still someone else’s home, and he couldn’t feel completely at ease.
Reuben gave a meaningful smile and patted Nelson’s large hand, showing his appreciation.
This man’s conduct was almost beyond reproach. Because of this, Callie had indeed found a good man.
The initial wariness had gradually turned into trust.
Callie came out of the room, still in her pajamas but wearing shoes. “Why did it take so long?”
Nelson handed her the dessert and answered calmly, “The strawberry mille-feuille is very popular; I had to wait in line for a while.”
The dessert was exquisitely packaged and tasted as good as always, melting in her mouth. But Callie couldn’t taste the sweetness. She scooped a spoonful and offered it to him. “I don’t know if it’s just me, but it tastes bitter. Try it.”
Nelson usually didn’t eat sweets, but seeing her anticipation, he took a bite.
“It’s sweet.”
Callie gave a bitter smile. “Maybe it’s my taste buds that are off.”
She took one bite and then stopped eating. Reuben scolded, “Nelson waited in line for twenty minutes to get this for you. How can you waste it?”
Normally, Callie wouldn’t disregard his efforts so easily, but today she felt a growing sense of disillusionment turning into rebellion.
“It’s bitter. I don’t want to eat it.”
Nelson didn’t get angry and signaled the servant to take it away. “Next time, I’ll ask them to add more sugar.”
Callie didn’t say much more.
It was hard for her to pretend in front of him. No matter how calm and natural she appeared before, she couldn’t help but show her emotions when facing him. She wanted him to notice but also didn’t want him to notice.
She felt a sourness in her heart but didn’t want to be the first to break the silence.
She thought, if only Nelson would speak up first… She had been waiting…
This year, Nelson didn’t return to the Oconnor family, and Callie had no relatives around either, making this New Year rather quiet.
Oconnor Group resumed work on the fifth day of the New Year. Callie tentatively asked, “Do you have plans for tomorrow?”
Nelson was in the study handling business affairs. Hearing this, his typing paused as if considering his schedule. “I have plans in the morning. Do you need me for something?”
Callie’s tea was ready. She poured him a cup. “What is it? Can’t you reschedule?”
“It’s business; I can’t postpone it.” He frowned slightly.
“Anthony is also pitiful, having to work during the New Year instead of being with his family.”
Nelson smiled slightly.
Callie took a deep breath and leaned on his desk, acting coquettishly. “Can’t you really reschedule? My studio has some issues I need your advice on.”
Her plea was hard for Nelson to resist. Facing this woman, his heart softened. He held her hand. “Callie, I have time in the afternoon.”
He rarely refused her so firmly, especially when she presented a problem. Callie’s smile faded a bit.
“What if I insist you come with me in the morning?”
She rarely acted unreasonably. This situation made Nelson frown.
Seeing this, Callie suddenly felt it was pointless. She pulled back. “Just kidding. It’s not that urgent.”
She had initially thought that if Nelson was willing to reschedule and accompany her, she would tell him about the issues with Scott Group. But he seemed relieved by her understanding.