Chapter 145
On the day of Nola's engagement party, John said Levi would be back soon, but it's been almost a week now and there's still no word from him.
We're probably the only married couple who go this long without contact.
I lay on my desk, distracted.
All the big and small matters at the company fall on me to decide. With Nola at home taking care of her pregnancy, I don't even have anyone to discuss things with.
I say it's fine, but I really miss her. If she were at the company, I'd feel much less pressure.
But I should learn to be more independent. Without Levi at home, without Nola at the company, with two babies in my belly—when all these things pile up together, it's the perfect opportunity to train myself.
I keep telling myself things will get better, but I still feel a bit anxious inside.
A knock on the door pulled me back to reality.
"Come in."
Nola's assistant slowly pushed the door open and walked in.
"Ms. Ember, we need to select materials for next quarter's new products. The production department director is on leave, and Ms. Skye is worried others might not choose well, so she asked me to see if you could go there yourself."
Another person at the company now knows my identity. For work convenience, Nola's assistant knows who I am.
"Sure."
Since there's no one capable enough, I might as well go see for myself.
I went on market research with the marketing department a few days ago, and today I'm going with the production department to select materials. These are good opportunities for me to identify reliable and responsible employees.
Thinking about how I'll need capable people to work with in a few months, I really should put in the effort to do some things myself.
"Alright, I'll notify them now."
"Okay."
What materials to choose is clearly marked on the design drawings. The key is choosing which supplier to work with. Our previous partner was poached by Michael with a higher offer, which is why things got complicated.
I got word earlier that there's an exhibition today, and many new suppliers will be attending.
Everyone got into the company car. Compared to the marketing department, the production department employees are quieter—hardly anyone talks.
After we entered the exhibition hall, I went off separately from them.
Nola's assistant told them I'd be in constant contact with Nola, and they just needed to analyze material qualifications and give suggestions.
Everyone split up to look around—it's more efficient this way.
When I walked to a foreign supplier's booth, I saw Elliot and Ava chatting and laughing.
"Ms. Ember, what a coincidence."
Elliot caught my eye, and I couldn't avoid him.
This was my first time meeting Ava in person. The report Sophia made had her photo, and her unique presence really stood out, so I recognized her instantly.
"Is Mr. Sullivan here to look at raw materials too?"
Elliot smiled. "I'm just browsing. If there's something good, I might buy it to play around with."
"I see. Well, enjoy looking around."
Ava stared straight at me. If I didn't leave now, we'd have to introduce ourselves.
"Is this your friend?"
Ava asked him in fluent Novarian. She must really love Novarian culture—to fit in better, she's learned to speak Novarian so well.
"Yes, let me introduce you."
Elliot stood between us. "This is my good friend, Ms. Blair Ember."
"And this is my classmate and good friend from when I studied abroad, Ava Davis."
I smiled slightly. "Hello."
Ava generously extended her hand. "Hello, Blair."
Being so familiar at our first meeting made me a bit uncomfortable. Foreign people really are more outgoing. I could only force a bigger smile.
Elliot checked the time. "How about..."
"I still need to select products, so I'm afraid I don't have time." I interrupted him. Though it was rude, I knew he wanted to invite me to lunch.
"You're getting to know me better and better."
"Not really, I just predicted it."
Ava covered her cheeks with both hands. "Wow, she's so beautiful and gentle. Can I be friends with her?"
"Of course."
Elliot seemed proud because of me.
I found it hard to accept. Wanting to be friends after just one meeting?
Isn't that a bit hasty? With her noble status, she doesn't lack friends like me at all. Making friends without knowing anything about each other—maybe that's just her way of socializing. She and I have different understandings of what "friend" means.
"Blair, would you like to be friends with me?"
You can't hit someone who's smiling at you—I really couldn't refuse right then.
This tall, beautiful woman in front of me really likes Levi, and she's working at the Morgan Group now. How can I make a decision before I know what her relationship with Levi is?
If she knew I was Levi's wife, she probably wouldn't have this idea, right?
"Uh, we're all friends, right? Hello, hello."
I could only brush it off casually. The kind of friend she means is probably just an acquaintance like us anyway.
Ava grabbed my hand. "Come to my house with us."
This is moving a bit fast, right? One second asking to be friends, the next inviting me home?
"Sorry, I'm still working, selecting materials for our company." I smiled and declined.
Ava glanced at the exhibits around us and shook her head. "You should come to my house instead. I have much better things at home. Whatever you like, I'll have my dad ship it to you."
Truly the daughter of a diamond tycoon—every word sparkles with wealth.
"Why don't you just go take a look? I've never had this honor. She really likes you and truly considers you a friend." Elliot tried to bring us together.
I don't believe he doesn't know about Levi and Ava's relationship. I don't believe he doesn't know Ava works at the Morgan Group. He clearly knows I'm Mrs. Morgan, so why is he trying to bind the two of us together?
I'm finding him harder and harder to understand.
"Ava's things are definitely good, but I have a budget, so I'll keep looking around here."
Ava enthusiastically linked her arm through mine. "It's okay, I'll lower the price a bit so it doesn't exceed your budget, okay?"
What have I done to deserve this—being chosen by her like this, insisting I go to her house?
I smiled faintly. "Looks like you two aren't busy today. I still have so much to do at the company, and I have a client meeting at lunch. I'm really sorry. Thank you for the invitation—I'll definitely visit next time I get the chance."
I hate lying the most, but right now I lied smoothly. I really can't go to Ava's house. Seeing her makes me easily imagine her relationship with Levi.
"That's too bad. Levi said you people value integrity the most. Since you've already made plans with someone else, I can't invite you."
When the name "Levi" came out of her mouth, my whole body went numb. Elliot glanced at me and turned his face away—he was deliberately avoiding my gaze.