Charlotte!
How could she be by Nelson’s side and attend such an occasion?
Callie accepted Nelson’s scrutiny with astonishment.
“I think I’ve taught well,” Jaquan chuckled, asking the person next to him, “What do you think, Mrs. Oconnor?”
Callie glared at him, her face pale.
Charlotte caught Callie’s gaze and instinctively lowered her head, asking Nelson, “Mr. Oconnor, should I step back?”
She addressed him by his title, making their relationship at least publicly transparent.
Unexpectedly, Nelson raised his hand to stop her. “Stay here.”
Charlotte was surprised and glanced at Callie again.
Callie pressed her lips tightly together, saying nothing.
Nelson spoke seriously, “Jaquan, your subordinate didn’t read the situation and offended someone from the Oconnor family. It’s not excessive for me to discipline him.”
There was no respect in his mocking eyes.
“Of course not excessive, it’s deserved,” Jaquan said as he walked to Scarface’s side and looked around. “But I don’t know who he offended to make you so angry.”
“Shamar’s stay in the ICU is expensive. You were quite generous,” Nelson pointed out directly.
Jaquan seemed to understand suddenly. “Shamar? Well, it’s not Scarface’s fault. He recklessly came to me and said many bad things about you, Nelson. I couldn’t tolerate it and had Scarface beat him up. Who knew he would suddenly have a stroke?”
The implication was clear: “It wasn’t intentional.”
It seemed like a light matter, just an accident.
Nelson’s smile was inscrutable. “You didn’t inform me about this in advance.”
It seemed he received the news around the same time as Callie; both knew the trail had gone cold.
“Tsk, I was just afraid you’d get angrier hearing his insults. Besides, Dale is already in there with my father. A mere Shamar, I disciplined him for you, it’s not excessive.”
Jaquan cleverly alluded to several matters in one sentence.
“A life is still a life; I should retaliate,” Nelson said, unwilling to suffer any loss.
As they casually discussed life and death, Callie felt a chill run down her spine.
Scarface struggled and shouted, “Jaquan! Save me!”
Everyone knew Nelson showed no mercy. If he struck, half a life would be gone.
“Shut up! Take this lesson well and keep your eyes open next time. Don’t offend Mr. Oconnor!” Jaquan’s tone shifted. “Nelson, just leave him with a breath.”
The bodyguard had already raised the whip, ready to strike hard.
“Enough!” Callie interrupted the farce. She walked up to Nelson. “Shamar had a stroke after drinking; it has nothing to do with them.”
Her eyes were resolute, seemingly understanding the details. Nelson saw through most of it and asked nonchalantly, “Why are you out here?”
Callie didn’t mention calling him. “I climbed over the wall. Don’t punish the servants.”
Nelson laughed. “You’re honest.”
He smelled the strong scent of alcohol on her, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes.
“Troubling Mr. Scott again, Callie, you’re making things difficult for me,” Nelson spoke calmly but with hidden turbulence. He raised his hand and placed it on Callie’s shoulder, asserting his possession.
“Troubling me many times already, one more doesn’t matter,” Jaquan added with a laugh.
“I’m here to investigate Shamar,” Callie lowered her voice.
“You like meddling in my affairs,” Nelson said, signaling the bodyguards to retreat. “Untie him.”
Scarface was released and fell to the ground but still mouthed off, “Nelson, if you don’t kill me today, I’ll kill you someday!”