The sound of running water was constant.
Callie pressed her lips together and finally turned to leave.
There were not many servants left in Paucaster Villa, allowing her to move almost unimpeded. To her surprise, the study’s furnishings had hardly changed, and the documents were still there. Even some confidential items remained with unchanged passwords.
Callie was almost astonished.
Nelson had never been guarded against her before, and it seemed he still wasn’t.
She didn’t turn on the light, quickly searching for content on the computer. She didn’t send everything out, just a portion, and then cleared the records.
“Scott Group’s dissolution, what does it have to do with you? Jamir, businessmen don’t act without profit. I know you’re using me, but we both need to be mindful of our limits.”
She lowered her head to send the message, fully aware of their circumstances.
While waiting for a reply, suddenly there was a click, and the study lights came on brightly. She found herself caught in the gaze of the man at the door.
He was wearing silk pajamas, his hair still dripping water, his eyes cold and his voice low and calm. “What are you looking for?”
Callie gripped her phone tightly, forcing herself to stay calm. “My computer suddenly crashed. I needed to send something using yours.”
As she spoke, she was drenched in cold sweat.
Nelson leaned against the doorframe lazily, it was unclear if he believed her or not.
Callie stood up and said thank you as she passed him.
She didn’t get far. His large hand grabbed her wrist forcefully, pulling her into his embrace.
The heat of his body pressed close, his cold lips brushed her ear. “You’re nervous.”
Callie’s voice trembled. “You startled me by appearing suddenly.”
Unable to break free, she decided not to struggle.
“What did you send?”
“Work documents.”
“My computer has an interception function. Shall I show you?”
Callie shivered all over. The man behind her was like a viper, ready to strike at any moment. She took a deep breath. “Sure, let’s see.”
But Nelson didn’t move. His hand encircled her slender waist, exploring slowly until it rested on her abdomen, his hand burning hot.
He suddenly said, “We once had a child.” It sounded like a sigh.
The buried pain in Callie’s heart resurfaced, her eyes stinging. “It’s in the past.”
His lips touched her earlobe, sending a chill through her body. He called her name softly.
Callie remained motionless. She said, “You will have many children with Charlotte in the future. The one between us shouldn’t stay in your heart.”
Nelson tightened his grip on her abruptly.
Earlier that night when leaving the Ellison family, Charlotte had clung to his arm, crying and begging him to stay.
Nelson had gently pushed her hand away. “It’s too late. It’s not good for your reputation.”
Charlotte shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “So much has happened at home. I’m so sad alone. Nelson, if you’re here, I’ll feel much better. Stay with me, please.”
Nelson had taken the tissue handed by a servant and wiped her tears away. “The wedding is just a few days away. Wait a little longer, okay?”
Charlotte continued shaking her head. “I need you now, Nelson. I’m begging you.”
A flash of impatience crossed his eyes but quickly disappeared. “Be good.”
“I don’t want to be good!” She cried harder. “I know Callie was there that night too. You took her back with you. Are you hiding her away, Nelson? Are you going back to be with her?”
Nelson frowned. “Maeve.”
“Don’t go back. Stay here.”
“There are many people here with you.”
“I only want you.” Charlotte sobbed like a child trying to hold onto him. “I’m your soon-to-be wife!”