With a loud bang, Ahmad slammed the table.
Several bodyguards moved into position.
Callie sat calmly, smiling, “Did I say something wrong? If I were Marilyn, I would certainly resent you for protecting Maevelyn so much. After all, you’re fighting for something even she couldn’t get.”
Every word was sharp and precise.
Ahmad scrutinized her seriously, “Callie, you are smarter than I thought.”
Being praised twice for her intelligence, Callie felt undeserving.
Ahmad was old, with noticeable wrinkles on his face. Every frown and smile bore the marks of time. Perhaps because he was around Reuben’s age, she felt a certain familiarity towards him.
Yes, she actually felt a sense of familiarity.
“So, you disagree with this deal,” Ahmad asked.
Callie straightened her back, “I won’t use marriage as a bargain.”
“Then your so-called fatherly love is just that.”
“If my father were here, he wouldn’t agree to me doing this either.”
She was impervious to persuasion and had her own set of ideas. Ahmad had seen many people over the years and could easily discern a person’s character. He had to admit that Callie’s so-called father had instilled a strong sense of integrity in her.
Even he was somewhat swayed.
“Let’s hope that when the outcome is revealed, you can remain as firm as you are today.”
Callie stood up, “With you saying that, it’s hard for me not to associate my father’s disappearance with the Ellison family.”
Ahmad remained unmoved, “He doesn’t even qualify for me to make a move against him.”
Callie had intended to leave, but this statement ignited her temper. She turned abruptly, “Will you always remain so high and mighty? I look forward to the day Maevelyn goes missing again. Don’t shed any tears then.”
Her words were disrespectful, and Ahmad’s temple throbbed, “Guards!”
The bodyguards stood ready.
“Detain her here. She can go to Ylosea only after she apologizes for what she said!”
“You!”
Callie could no longer contain herself and was furious, “Ahmad! How dare you!”
The bodyguards stepped forward and grabbed Callie’s wrists, which immediately turned red.
Ahmad leaned on his cane and walked up to Callie, sneering, “Little girl, you’re far from being able to contend with me.”
He knew Callie was eager to leave but deliberately detained her here.
“Ahmad! Ahmad!” Seeing him about to leave, Callie shouted anxiously, nearly jumping up but was firmly held down by the bodyguards.
Ahmad opened the door but didn’t step out. He stood there as someone approached.
“Father, I’ve finally found you.” It was Jaquan’s voice.
Callie’s eyes lit up, and she shouted even louder, “Jaquan!”
The man was dressed casually today, hands in his pockets. Hearing her, he looked inside, “Father, what is this…”
Ahmad scrutinized him, “What are you doing here?”
“On a business trip.” Jaquan chuckled, “I heard you were here today and came by to say hello.”
Ahmad didn’t believe a word. “Dressed like that for a business trip.”
“You know me; I’m always casual. Wearing formal attire is Nelson’s style.”
Ahmad snorted, “Does Marilyn know?”
“Of course.”
Callie’s wrists hurt from being held. She continued to shout, “Jaquan!”
“I’m here.” Jaquan responded, but Ahmad remained unmoved. He smiled, “Father, there’s no need to be at odds with a woman.”
“What is your relationship with her?” Ahmad asked seriously.
“A… long-time acquaintance.” Jaquan dragged out his words deliberately ambiguous, “You know we had some interactions before. Let me handle this.”