“What about Holly, don’t you want to see her?” he pressed.
“Not for now.”
“Ahmad is awake, and they feel guilty. They want to see you too.”
“I don’t want to see them.”
Callie coldly refused and left his lounge, walking out of his world.
Downstairs, she looked up at the top floor. She used to think that he stood so high and must be very lonely, so she needed to accompany him. But in the end, she was left bruised and battered.
Callie returned to her place and slept for a while. However, Nelson’s words lingered in her mind, making it hard to get a good rest. She was a bit irritable when she was woken up the next day.
It was Albert, the new mayor of Ylosea, inviting her for a meal. He was a connection given by Grandfather, so she had no reason to refuse. Besides, she needed the police’s help to find Reuben, so she agreed.
At that moment, Mollie arrived with breakfast and overheard the conversation. “I’m bored too, take me with you.”
Callie frowned slightly but agreed. “Of course.”
They met at noon, likely during Albert’s private time, as he didn’t bring any staff.
Entering the private room, Albert called for a waiter while taking his seat. “I know about what happened recently. You’ve suffered a lot, but it’s not your fault. Holly used to be an assistant in the system and is good at disguising herself.”
Callie didn’t respond to his fair comment.
After a while, the waiter came in. He was tall, wearing a uniform with a baseball cap and a mask, keeping a low profile as he handed over the menu.
Callie didn’t pay much attention and said to Albert, “Being deceived like this is ultimately my fault for misjudging people. I don’t blame anyone.”
There was a hint of self-mockery in her tone.
Albert, who was twenty years older than her, looked at her with admiration. She was only twenty-three or twenty-four but had a very calm demeanor.
Albert handed the menu to Mollie first. “What are your plans next? Are you going back to the Ellison family?”
When he mentioned the Ellison family, Callie understood the situation. Albert, being newly appointed, needed support and was inevitably entangled in some favors.
Callie pursed her lips. “Can I not answer that?”
Albert was slightly taken aback but continued. “Of course, let’s eat first.”
Mollie had already buried herself in the menu and took a while before calling the waiter. “Braised vinegar fish, pork knuckle in soy sauce, boiled pork slices, two Australian lobsters, and a bowl of borscht. Mayor Albert, is that within budget?”
Albert smiled. “I’m paying privately; it doesn’t count as public expenses.”
Callie twitched her mouth. “Can you finish all that?”
“I’m hungry. I’ve ordered mine; you guys order yours.”
Mollie looked up and noticed that the waiter was just listening. “Why aren’t you writing it down?”
The waiter stood in a dimly lit spot, making it hard to see clearly. His voice was muffled. “I can remember it.”
Callie glanced at him unintentionally and suddenly felt that his figure seemed familiar but couldn’t recall where she had seen him before.
Albert asked about Callie’s dietary restrictions and ordered two more dishes.
The waiter seemed a bit impatient. When he stepped forward to take back the menu, Mollie suddenly stopped him.
“Wait a minute!”
She quickly walked over to the waiter and asked sideways, “Is this your standard uniform? Baseball cap and mask-aren’t those usually for celebrities?”