“Maybe it was a mosquito bite.”
Nelson’s gaze lingered on her neck for three seconds before he stood up. Callie watched his back, feeling a pang of anxiety, fearing he might have discovered something.
But the man simply found a medical kit, rummaged through it, and took out a tube of ointment.
Callie lowered her head as he squeezed out a bit and gently applied it to her neck with his fingertip. “Is the studio matter settled?”
There was nothing to settle. She let him apply the ointment. “It’s done.”
“I was planning to spend the afternoon with you.” While applying the ointment, Nelson suddenly noticed a section of her long black hair was broken, as if someone had pulled it. His anger surged momentarily.
Callie treasured her long hair more than anything else. She always insisted on using the best shampoo and conditioner. Over time, Nelson also grew to appreciate her long hair, but now, someone had pulled and broken it.
“No need, I can handle it myself.” Callie didn’t notice his change in demeanor.
Nelson put away the ointment and tightened the cap. “Winter is for resting; try to go out less.”
His words were ambiguous, and Callie mistakenly thought he was afraid she would find out about Maevelyn.
She nodded. “What about you? Have you finished your work?”
They looked at each other, unable to read each other’s emotions. “Yes.”
Nelson turned around, but Callie couldn’t hold back anymore. She suddenly spoke, “Nelson.”
He paused, waiting for her next words.
But Callie couldn’t bring herself to speak. She wanted to ask but didn’t know how.
Nelson turned slightly and looked at her. At that moment, his phone rang. He answered it, and after hearing something, he asked, “When did this happen?”
He glanced at Callie.
She mouthed: What happened?
Nelson put the call on speaker. Anthony’s voice came through, “The Scott Group kept the news well-hidden and resolved everything within a day and night. We received the information too late.”
Anthony sounded very frustrated. “I never expected such a good opportunity to be taken by Jaquan.”
Nelson showed no expression. “It’s the New Year; he took advantage of the situation. It’s no one’s fault.”
Anthony hesitated before continuing, “Mr. Oconnor… I found out that the design drawings for Mr. Scott’s project are… blank.”
This revelation was like a thunderclap. Callie’s eyes widened slightly.
The blank drawings were from her and Regan’s studio.
She knew that once they discovered the Scott Group’s mistake, it would be impossible to hide her collaboration with them.
Nelson glanced at her again and responded to the call, “Understood.”
After hanging up, he stood there and asked, “When did this start?”
Nelson was so calm that it was frightening, a sign of impending anger.
“… Over a month ago.” Callie initially wanted to say that Regan insisted on taking this project, but at this point, they were in it together, and saying that wouldn’t help.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“The project was underway; I didn’t want to upset you.”
Nelson walked over to her. She sat on the sofa, and from his standing position, he looked down at her. “Was it to repay Jaquan?”
“… Sort of.” Callie clenched the hem of her clothes, her palms sweaty. “I’m sorry for causing trouble…”
The man narrowed his eyes. “Gratitude is a traditional virtue; it’s understandable.”