Callie let out a heart-wrenching cry.
Nelson’s eyes were red, and he trembled uncontrollably, unwilling to believe that his grandfather had closed his eyes for the last time.
This old man had witnessed his entire growth. When he was studying abroad, his grandfather had turned down million-dollar orders to attend his graduation ceremony in a foreign land, just to tell him that even though he had lost his father, he still had a grandfather.
Later, when he took over the Oconnor Group and faced difficulties, this old man was always there to help him weigh the pros and cons and advise him on various concerns.
He loved this grandson more than anyone else. Even before Callie came in, he was still giving him business advice, fearing that after his passing, no one would have Nelson’s back if he got into trouble.
Nelson’s trembling hand reached out to remove his grandfather’s respirator, clearly seeing a smile on his lips.
The old man left with contentment.
Callie understood this as well.
Two days later, the Oconnor family held the funeral at the old mansion where his grandfather had lived for most of his life.
Many important figures attended the Oconnor family’s grand funeral. Cars were parked along the road halfway up the hill, with only a narrow path to walk on.
Nelson, dressed in black, stood at the forefront, bowing to those who came to pay their respects. His expression was weary and grief-stricken.
Many members of the Ellison family also attended. Charlotte busied herself with the arrangements, making it seem as if she had already become Mrs. Oconnor to those unaware.
But she did not approach the altar.
Callie, also dressed in black, had divorced Nelson and was not qualified to stand with him to host the funeral. She bowed repeatedly to her grandfather’s photo.
After offering the respects, she approached the Oconnor family members and expressed her condolences one by one. Finally, she stood before Nelson, looking into his eyes. Both remained silent.
Callie held his cold hand and softly said, “My condolences.”
Almost instantly, Nelson gripped her hand tightly.
Callie understood that he was on the verge of breaking down.
Though unconventional, it was humane. Bianca kept Callie by her side, deeply saddened.
“Callie, Grandpa passed away suddenly, but the will was made long ago,” Bianca said, holding her hand.
Callie immediately shook her head. “This is not appropriate.”
“I know, a will requires a lawyer present.” Bianca walked into a room and brought out several documents, handing them to her. “These are what Grandpa left for you. He specifically instructed me to give them to you.”
Callie glanced through them; they were properties and investments worth more than what Nelson had given her during the divorce.
“Grandpa cared for you deeply. He always mentioned that if anything happened with Nelson, he wanted to leave you a way out.”
A kind-hearted old man who thought of everything.
Callie closed her eyes briefly. “What have I done to deserve this?”
In her mind, she recalled Grandpa’s clear and content eyes before he passed away. She was certain that he was lucid then; he knew she was Callie and also Maeve.
She wanted to cry but ended up smiling as tears rolled down her cheeks.
The funeral attracted many people, including Lucia. The attendants were unsure of what to do and asked for Nelson’s opinion.
Lucia stood before him, overwhelmed with grief. “No matter what, I had a connection with the Oconnor family. We spent time together daily. Nelson, let me pay my respects.”
His expression was numb. “You didn’t care when he was alive; now you show kindness when he’s dead.”
Lucia’s face turned pale. “Even now, you won’t forgive me?”
“Grandpa wouldn’t want to see you,” Nelson said as he turned away. “Leave before I call security.”