Chapter 14
Jessa didn't succeed in poisoning me, but she ended up hurting herself instead.
Luckily, she got to the hospital in time to have her stomach pumped. They said if she'd been any later, her stomach and intestines would have been seriously damaged.
I recorded the whole process of the puppy from the onset of symptoms to its death, but I didn't send it to Levi. He's been leaving early and coming home late recently - I'm guessing he's been spending time with Jessa.
So even if I provided evidence, Levi would still take her side. Since I'm planning to divorce him anyway, I can't be bothered to explain anything to him.
But I'm not as weak as I used to be. I had Indigo mention that the dog at home had licked Jessa's bowl and then died.
For many days, Levi had no reaction. That told me everything I needed to know.
Nola called to say a client had bought my work. They wanted to meet with me to discuss details, and if things went well, they'd consider mass-producing my designs and providing funding for the company's next round of financing.
This was really good news for me, especially since I'd been feeling powerless and defeated after being sabotaged by Jessa multiple times recently.
I agreed to meet without hesitation. We arranged to meet at a coffee shop near the company.
I looked out the window, my heart pounding, praying everything would go smoothly.
"Blair, long time no see."
A voice suddenly came from behind me. I turned around to look - the person seemed familiar, but I wasn't sure if it was an old classmate.
"Don't recognize me?"
He sat down across from me and waved at the server.
"Two iced Americanos?" he asked politely.
"Sorry, I need a hot one. I recently had surgery, and I'm still recovering."
"I know."
He knows?
Did Nola tell him?
He took off his rather thick coat and smiled at me gently.
"Still don't recognize me?"
I shook my head, feeling apologetic.
If it were a classmate, Nola would have told me in advance. I wouldn't be this awkward now.
"I'm Elliot Sullivan."
He deliberately opened his phone to show me a graduation photo. "This is me."
In the photo, I was standing in the center, while he was standing in the far upper right corner.
"Long time no see, it's been six or seven years." I felt a bit uncomfortable, somewhat surprised to see him again.
During school, I really didn't pay much attention to him. If he hadn't shown me the photo, I would have had trouble matching the name to the face.
He smiled slightly. "You got married right after graduation, and I went abroad to study for a few more years. I just came back not long ago. I also went to that school reunion."
"Oh?"
That day, I was in a bad mood because of Cleo and left early.
"I saw you, but before I could say hello, you were gone."
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay, we're meeting now, aren't we?"
I was a bit confused now. I'd been fully prepared to discuss work, but suddenly having an old classmate reminisce made me feel a bit uncomfortable.
My sixth sense told me something was off, but I told myself I was just too tense lately, which was why I felt uneasy.
"I didn't expect my design would get your appreciation. Where are you working now?"
Elliot took out a business card from his pocket. "This might seem a bit old-fashioned - not many people use these cards anymore."
"No, no, it's simple and efficient."
CEO of WR Company.
Nola had mentioned this company to me before. I'd heard it was newly established but growing rapidly. The company's business wasn't just in jewelry design like ours, but also included some venture capital.
"Your design is still outstanding. I asked Professor Elise, and seeing my sincerity, she told me it was your work." He stirred his coffee spoon, speaking unhurriedly.
"You're too kind. I haven't had any decent work in a long time. It's my honor to have your recognition."
"You're being modest. You're my idol."
We exchanged compliments, but his saying I was his idol seemed pretty far-fetched.
Could he really want to buy my work and invest in my company just because he admired me?
Actually, the Skye family had invested quite a bit in the company, so I'd given Nola a good percentage of shares. Currently, she and her father had fallen out over arranged dating, so the Skye family had stopped supporting her.
Also, as the company's president, I couldn't let Nola keep paying for everything, and my current funds really weren't enough to support the company's operations.
Although Levi had given me quite a bit of money, if I divorced him and put my money into the company, my lifestyle would be affected, and fighting for custody of Celestia would be even more impossible.
I decided to get straight to the point.
"Old classmate, I've reviewed your company's development plan for my design, and I have no objections."
Elliot nodded. "That's great. Once you sign, the company will transfer the funds to you right away."
His straightforwardness made me feel much better. I really needed money right now, and this was also a big validation of my comeback. I was genuinely grateful.
He took out another document from his briefcase.
"See if you're interested in this."
No beating around the bush - this Elliot really surprised me. What had I done to deserve him so readily presenting a financing plan?
I carefully reviewed the details in the proposal and found that WR was willing to invest three times the company's planned financing amount.
Reading further, they were actually asking for a large share of the company's stock.
"This..."
Elliot seemed to anticipate my reaction, which was the most basic response any company executive would have. This would essentially strip away my controlling interest.
"The proposal from headquarters is indeed a bit tricky, but it's negotiable."
I smiled helplessly. "This isn't possible."
"No problem, I'll keep it open on my end. If you change your mind or have any conditions, we can talk anytime."
"The company does need financing, but as you know, it's like my work - I need absolute control over it." I would never agree to their proposal.
This was essentially trying to acquire my company.
Elliot nodded repeatedly. "Okay, okay, you haven't changed - still as decisive as before."
"I..."
Did he really know me that well? I barely remembered him, yet he gave me the feeling that he'd studied me thoroughly.
But I couldn't assume bad intentions. After all, he appreciated my work, which was already helping me out when I needed it. As for financing, it was supposed to be a win-win cooperation anyway. Since it wasn't suitable, there was no need to drag it out.
"Then let's wish for a happy cooperation. I'll have the company start production right away. It's definitely going to be a huge hit this fall." Elliot was confident.
I politely shook his hand, preparing to leave.
"Happy cooperation."
Elliot looked at his watch. "It's lunchtime. Today's my treat - let's go somewhere else for a meal."
"Um, my daughter is waiting for me to have lunch at home. I promised her, and I can't break my word. You wouldn't want your business partner to be untrustworthy, right?"
"Well, that's right."
I waved to signal goodbye and left.