“Nothing much, I have my reasons for asking you to do this.”
Seeing this, Joaquin didn’t ask further. Before leaving, he suddenly remembered something and pointed to the pile of instant noodles in the corner. “You need to eat properly.”
Callie was momentarily surprised. “You’ve really grown up.”
Joaquin looked a bit awkward, scratching his head. “Although we are not related by blood, we grew up together, fighting and playing. You… take care.”
Callie looked up at him and suddenly smiled, a relieved smile, with tears welling up in her eyes. “Got it.”
Joaquin blushed a little, feeling embarrassed expressing such familial affection to her.
“Joaquin,” Callie called out to him, “stay safe.”
He smiled and nodded firmly.
After he left, Callie sat hugging her knees by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the dazzling night view outside.
Joaquin was Reuben’s bloodline; she had to protect him no matter what.
Her phone rang; it was Jamir. He sent a photo of a red invitation card. It was for a show hosted by a top international jewelry brand in collaboration with a domestic fashion magazine, held at the Ellison family estate.
The show was named Autumn Feast.
The Ellison family estate was vast and picturesque, perfect for a fashion show, likely sponsored as well.
At the bottom of the invitation, it read “Maevelyn cordially invites you.”
Callie sent a question mark in response.
Jamir replied with a lazy voice message: “Don’t you like watching shows? I’m inviting you.”
It had to be said, Jamir was indeed a good stepping stone. If she relied solely on herself or just on Regan, Callie wouldn’t be able to get into such an event.
“What time tomorrow?”
He sent a time.
The next day, Callie left on time. As soon as she got downstairs, Jamir’s car arrived as if perfectly timed and stopped steadily.
She got in the car; he was on a call handling business matters, occasionally responding while handing her hot milk and food.
She used to never drink coffee, only milk.
Callie quietly pushed it away and said softly, “I’ve had breakfast.”
Jamir wasn’t upset. He continued his call until they arrived at the Ellison family estate. When presenting the invitation, the attendant scrutinized Callie’s face for a moment.
“My girlfriend,” Jamir said, placing his hand on Callie’s shoulder.
At this point, she had no room to refute and could only smile.
The attendant immediately gestured for them to enter.
Jamir escorted Callie inside with an attendant leading the way. “Across this lake, the show is in the manor on the other side and has just started.”
“In two hours, there will be a cocktail party on the lawn,” the attendant pointed out. “The entire Ellison family estate is open to guests today except for the temple and ancestral hall.”
The Ellison family estate was large, even encompassing a horse farm and shooting range.
Jamir and Callie took a boat to the other side. Once the attendant left, she immediately let go of his arm. “Thank you.”
Jamir glanced at his now-empty arm. “Callie, burning bridges after crossing.”
“Even if I do, you wouldn’t throw me overboard.”
Jamir laughed. Her smart words made him feel a sense of vitality even in autumn.
The manor was open-air, with several sycamore trees inside. The fallen yellow leaves formed a natural carpet. Models wearing haute couture walked in the open environment, their necks and wrists adorned with glittering jewelry.
After entering, Callie stood in a corner, uninterested in the jewelry.
At this moment, Charlotte sat in the front row, speaking softly with Ahmad beside her. Occasionally, important figures would come up to greet her.
The main character for the show today was obvious.