Regan made a gesture. “Ahmad and Sienna had the same question. To confirm, they specifically checked the mark on Charlotte. It was identical, so they concluded it was true.”
Callie had heard about a birthmark on Maevelyn, but the missing person notice was so long ago that she no longer remembered what it looked like.
“No chance of impersonation?”
Regan shook his head. “If it were an impersonation, the birthmark’s position and appearance would be critical. Only Ahmad and his wife know what it looks like, making it nearly impossible for anyone else to replicate.”
In other words, Charlotte was indeed Maevelyn.
After hearing this, Callie understood.
Regan half-lay on the sofa, propping his face with his hand, and asked curiously, “Why, do you suspect something is off?”
“As you said, with someone who passes both technological and detailed scrutiny, how could I dare to doubt? It would seem like I’m looking for trouble.” Callie downed her coffee, wincing at the bitterness.
Regan scrutinized her. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. She is Maevelyn, and she held significant weight in Nelson’s youth. That means something different.”
“I heard that when Nelson was at his peak, his rivals wanted to take him down. They even wanted to find Maevelyn more than the Ellison family did, to use her against him. To put it bluntly, if she wants to compete with you, you might not win.”
The words were harsh, but Callie didn’t take them to heart. “I’ve been married to him for years. If he would abandon me for this, then it really wouldn’t mean anything.”
Regan sat up and leaned closer. “Abandonment is unlikely, but if you two are always subtly competing and she always has his favor? A few times might be fine, but what if it’s constant?”
It was like a soft thorn stuck in a finger-usually harmless but always painful at critical moments.
Callie was silent for a moment before shaking her head. “No.”
Regan sighed and made no further comment.
“What about Marilyn’s reaction to her?”
Suddenly having an older sister competing for affection, Callie thought Marilyn would never let it go.
“Surprisingly, she’s exceptionally enthusiastic about her. Maybe she’s worried about her own position being shaken and is putting on an act,” Regan said slowly. “But right now, even if everyone thinks she’s acting, no one will expose it. The Ellison family needs a peaceful facade.”
Callie paused. “Today is Maevelyn’s welcome banquet. Why didn’t you go?”
“Why didn’t you go? That’s why I didn’t go.”
The two women exchanged a knowing smile, both harboring unspoken frustrations.
After a moment, Litzy came in holding some documents. “These are the papers that need signing.”
Callie reviewed and signed each one before pausing and looking up. “The Oconnor Group is restructuring the design department?”
Since she left, there hadn’t been a suitable replacement for the design department. With her studio opening, Nelson had practically dissolved the department and shifted focus from real estate to investments.
Now they were restructuring? She had no idea the Oconnor Group had such plans.
“As far as I know, yes. They should be recruiting now with very high salaries.”
“I see.” Callie found it odd and put down the documents.
By the time everything was handled, night had fallen. As Callie stretched, she suddenly looked at Regan. “How long do you think it will take for Jaquan’s matter to settle?”
Regan’s gaze was meaningful. “You can’t be serious. Are you really worried about him?”