The day Nelson left the old mansion, the media captured photos of him.
In the photos, he was driving alone, without bodyguards, accompanied only by Charlotte. Although there was no physical contact between them, their eye contact suggested a deep relationship.
The reporters wrote ambiguously, suggesting that Charlotte was comforting Nelson through his grief and that they might soon be planning to marry.
Callie had only one thought after reading it: Does one have to get married in this lifetime?
“Miss Marsh, I apologize for being late.” A warm voice came from behind. A middle-aged man in a suit walked briskly towards her, extending his hand.
Callie immediately stood up and shook his hand. “Mayor Albert, thank you for seeing me.”
The man had a gentle demeanor but also carried an air of authority.
Albert, the new head of Ylosea, had just taken office not long ago.
“No need to apologize. I had a social engagement nearby, so it was convenient.” Albert sat down. “Old Oconnor spoke highly of you. When I visited him, he mentioned you more than once.”
Callie bowed her head humbly. “Grandpa also spoke of you as an honest and upright official.”
While sorting through Nelson’s grandfather’s belongings, she found a letter with several names listed, including Albert’s.
Her grandfather had said to seek him out if she ever encountered difficulties.
Albert smiled and got to the point. “I looked into what you asked me. Some procedures were not followed correctly, but considering the long-term taxpayer status, they granted medical parole for five days.”
He was referring to Cyrus’s case.
Callie studied Albert’s expression and could tell he wasn’t Jaquan’s backer.
“Only five days?”
“Naturally,” Albert replied candidly.
Callie narrowed her eyes. “I’m sorry for bothering you out of curiosity.”
“No bother. I understand there have been some open and covert struggles in Ylosea over the years. I also know what your ex-husband is thinking, but it’s difficult to be too ruthless within the bounds of law and compassion.”
Callie understood his implication.
It seemed Jaquan’s people were currently in power within the system.
With Nelson’s grandfather gone, Albert looked slightly weary.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Albert left. Callie remained seated for another half hour before leaving.
She leaned against the wall in the parking lot, idly scrolling through her phone.
After a while, she heard footsteps approaching along with the sound of a car unlocking.
Callie looked up.
Jaquan saw the petite woman by his car and instinctively frowned. Once he recognized her, his expression relaxed.
“When did you get here?”
Callie smiled. “Am I not welcome?”
Jaquan leaned against the car without hurrying to get in. “You rarely come to see me. You must have a reason to be here.”
His gaze fell on her phone screen, which displayed news about Nelson and Charlotte.
Callie raised her phone slightly, looking a bit forlorn. “I happened to have a social engagement here today and saw you by chance. I’m not stalking you.”
Whether Jaquan believed her or not was unclear; he merely frowned and stepped aside. “Get in the car.”
He had been drinking, so Callie drove. She glanced at the man beside her who had his eyes closed in rest. “Impressive. A project that warrants the mayor’s company. No wonder you managed to get your father out.”
Jaquan wasn’t surprised and didn’t even open his eyes. “After all these years of imprisonment, isn’t it about time?”
“Old Oconnor is gone, and you’re thriving.”
Feeling his collar was too tight, he loosened his tie and smirked. “Even if he hadn’t gone, I would still manage.”