Kieran’s grip was strong and powerful, causing the man to scream immediately. He turned his head to see an unfamiliar face and became furious. “Who the hell are you?”
Kieran showed a disdainful expression and tilted his head, indicating, “Want to take this outside?”
The man, in pain but still stubborn, retorted, “Are you her protector? Well, Callie, you sure have a lot of lapdogs. Does Nelson know?”
Callie raised her hand and pressed her forehead.
A lapdog beside the man cautiously poked his arm, signaling him to turn around.
The man seemed to sense something was off, feeling a chill down his spine. He turned around and froze.
“Nelson…” He couldn’t even finish saying the name before his voice faltered.
If this had happened two years ago, Callie would have been moved by the heroic rescue. But now, it was two years later.
In the back seat of the Maybach, the air was filled with the smell of cheap alcohol. The sound of someone being beaten came from behind, making Callie tighten her shawl.
“How did you know I was here?” she asked.
Nelson lifted his eyelids slightly. “How many friends do you have in Ylosea?”
Callie paused, then realized and let out a chuckle. “Yes, it seems no one knows me better than you.”
The man looked up, staring at her profile. “How much did you hear?”
“Not much, just that you plan to send me abroad. New Zealand, right? It’s indeed a nice place.”
“Callie,” Nelson’s voice carried a tone of exhaustion and laziness, “I can protect you today, but I might not be able to protect you in the future. The days ahead will be more dangerous.”
Callie looked out the window as she listened.
Her profile was striking, her gaze particularly resilient and independent. “Even if you didn’t come today, I would have found a way to get out.”
“How would you get out?”
“Regan is still here.”
A cold smile appeared on Nelson’s lips. “Then where is she?”
This question left Callie silent. Yes, so much time had passed, and Regan still hadn’t come out. Where had she gone?
Before she could react, Nelson grabbed her wrist, forcing her to look at him. “As long as you’re willing, I can pave a better and bigger path for you. You can do whatever you want without being confined to Ylosea.”
His gaze was too intense, almost imperious.
“I believe you, Nelson,” Callie said calmly. “I believe you can create a new world for me.”
Nelson squinted his eyes.
“But I don’t want it. Everything I have is in Ylosea-my job, friends, resources. I don’t want to give that up.”
“All of that can be rebuilt.”
“What about feelings?” Callie responded quickly, watching Nelson’s face darken.
“… What feelings?”
She smiled slightly. “I meant friendship. What did you think I meant?”
Seeing his face change, Callie felt a surge of frustration. She took a deep breath before asking, “If you send me abroad, what then? Will you marry Charlotte and fly to New Zealand to meet me in secret?”
She watched his expression and added, “Or are we just going to end it?”
This last question shattered the man’s psychological defenses. He erupted with anger, pressing Callie’s head closer to him and speaking each word clearly, “Don’t even think about it.”
Callie trembled in his arms. “You still want me to be your mistress.”