Nelson took a deep look at the study door, then turned and went back to Charlotte’s room.
The wedding was conducted with dignity, without traditional customs. He opened the door, and Charlotte sat cross-legged on the bed, her dress trailing elegantly, diamonds sparkling on it.
When she saw him enter, she blushed slightly. “Nelson, you’re here.”
Nelson’s eyes remained calm as he sat across from her. “It’s not time yet. We’ll leave at ten.”
Charlotte kept smiling shyly, her fingers intertwined. She looked at him with admiration and reverence.
This man had once seemed unattainable. If nothing unexpected had happened, they would never have connections. But she got the chance to get close to him, which made her forgive her past hardships.
“Nelson, do you remember when we first met?”
Nelson frowned, his thumb unconsciously flipping his phone. “In Jaquan’s office.”
Yes, back then, he had sought out Jaquan to help Marilyn, which led to their first meeting.
“What was your first reaction when you saw me?”
At that time, she already looked a lot like Callie. Naturally, Nelson felt a sense of familiarity when he saw her.
“Familiar.”
“So did I. Nelson, I recognized you then. I didn’t expect the boy from my youth to be you. But you were already married… I was very sad.”
Charlotte’s emotions were intense. If there were no doubts, Nelson might have been moved. But now he remained unmoved.
He glanced at the sunlight outside. “You mentioned the past; it reminded me of something.”
“What…”
“When we were kids, we buried a bottle of wine under a tree, promising to dig it up and drink it when we got married. Now that we are getting married, it’s time to open it.”
Charlotte was stunned for a moment and then tentatively replied, “Yes, I almost forgot. Let’s have someone dig it up; we’ll drink it tonight.”
Nelson’s lips curved slightly, a sharp look in his eyes.
He and Maevelyn had never buried a bottle a wine together.
Her DNA test results proved that she was the Ellisons’ daughter, so he never doubted her. But now a small test revealed something amiss.
He remained calm on the surface and walked out to the balcony to make a call.
“Check on Charlotte through Karlee.”
The sunlight fell on his face but made him look extremely gloomy. “Tell Joaquin if he wants him and his sister to live, he better come clean.”
While waiting for a reply, Nelson stood on the balcony. He was still on the phone.
Charlotte was puzzled. She carefully got out of bed and walked to the balcony door, hearing Nelson’s voice.
“Send Cyrus to Northside; it’s remote there. Jaquan won’t find him.”
Charlotte silently noted this and returned to her place just as he was about to turn around.
It was almost ten o’clock, and the attendants were urging them.
Nelson stepped out of the room, watching Charlotte being helped forward by them. At that moment, his phone rang; it was Anthony.
He answered immediately. “Speak.”
Anthony was usually calm, but this time his voice trembled. “Mr. Oconnor… Maevelyn, no, Charlotte’s original name is… Holly.”
“Joaquin is working for Callie; he’s here for this wedding.”
Anthony was clearly shocked too.
Nelson’s fingers holding the phone trembled instinctively as everything was confirmed. His pulse raced.
Joaquin grabbed the phone and shouted, “Nelson! Do whatever you want with me! Just tell me where my sister is! She hasn’t contacted me for days! What have you done to her!”