Before leaving, Callie went to the studio to hand over her duties. She hadn’t been there for a long time, and most of the work was now handled by Belinda. The studio was thriving, with several new staff members.
The staff, who had never met Callie, looked puzzled. “Who are you looking for?”
Callie smiled and glanced around. Belinda approached her with surprise. “Callie! What brings you here?”
“Nothing much, just came to see everyone.”
Belinda quickly took her hand and introduced her to the others. “This is one of the studio’s partners, your real boss, Miss Callie Marsh.”
The staff greeted her in unison.
Callie felt a bit embarrassed. “Don’t call me that; I won’t be for much longer.”
Belinda’s expression changed.
In the office.
“I’ve heard about those things, but you don’t have to leave. The studio’s success is largely due to your guidance,” Belinda said urgently, trying to persuade Callie to stay. They had known each other since their first jobs and had come a long way together.
Callie shook her head. “On the surface, this studio is an investment by Regan and me, but you’ve put in much more effort. This is your hard work. After I leave, my funds and resources will be transferred to you. I hope you can continue.”
Her words were sincere, but Belinda was stunned. She didn’t understand. “I don’t need these.”
“I know, but you deserve them.”
After a moment, Belinda composed herself. “Since everything has turned out well, why do you have to leave? Didn’t the Ellison family accept you?”
The topic was sensitive, and Belinda hesitated to ask, carefully observing Callie’s expression.
Was she not accepted? Not exactly. Callie’s smile was bitter as she remembered Ahmad’s apologetic and regretful eyes when he shielded her from harm.
Perhaps it was because she didn’t know how to face it, and neither did he.
Belinda didn’t get an answer and didn’t press further. “Did you tell Regan? She has been financially supporting the studio all this time.”
Callie recalled that afternoon when Regan drove to Paucaster Villa to discuss starting a studio with her. She said that everyone needs a dream.
It was happy times for them.
“I’ll tell her,” Callie said, taking a deep breath. “Has she been to the studio recently?”
“No, it’s been a long time since we last saw her.”
By the time the paperwork was done and Callie left, it was dusk. The winter evening was cold and windy, with the setting sun offering no warmth.
Eliza ran out and stopped the elevator. “Callie!”
Callie quickly opened the elevator door. “What’s wrong?”
“I… I heard you’re leaving. I came to see you off.”
Callie didn’t respond.
As the elevator descended from the twenty-eighth floor, Eliza spoke cautiously. “Callie, I’ve broken up with Yusuf. I feel very sorry, not just for Jade but also for… you.”
Callie looked puzzled. “Why are you apologizing to me?”
Eliza hesitated for a long time before saying, “At that time, I was captivated by Yusuf’s charm and fell uncontrollably in love with him. During this period, he asked me many questions about our studio’s internal affairs. Including the seaside hotel project-it was because of leaked information that Jamir could take advantage.”
Hearing this, Callie had a sudden realization.
So Jamir had targeted someone close to her, which explained why he was always so thorough.