Chapter 192
We ate, drank, and chatted.
I didn't really like seafood, but Nola kept telling me to give it a try.
As evening fell and the sea breeze brushed against my face, I got lost in the gentle night, quietly enjoying this moment of happiness.
Levi and John had quite a few drinks. When I got excited and asked for a sip, Levi refused. He said I needed to take care of my body - if I felt sick, I'd just have to tough it out.
When I'm emotional, I always think he's too strict, but when I calm down, I know he's just looking out for me.
"Blair, I know we said no work talk on this trip, but I can't help bringing it up." Nola rested her chin in her hands, a hint of worry in her eyes.
I kept eating and gave her a look that said, "Go on."
"We're about to go back to work, and the company needs people. You're further along than me, so naturally I should handle more."
Nola puffed out her cheeks. "But his family is pretty against me working. They keep going on about how this is their first grandson and all that."
I understood what Nola meant. It was normal for John's family to worry about her. More than her career, they wanted her to have the baby safely.
From what she'd told me, the Williams family was big and really cared about continuing the family line.
"It's okay, we can take turns working. We should be able to manage."
I'd already prepared myself to keep going.
I'm the legal representative of Heartstrings Jewelry. Nola didn't take much equity from the start, and she's been running the company full-time these past few years. Besides giving her bigger bonuses each year, I haven't really thanked her properly.
I know she's my best friend, but she deserves to rest and enjoy life. Now that she's pregnant, I should take on more.
"The baby's growing every day - there'll be times when you can't handle it. And you're having twins, you need to be extra careful." Nola only felt bad for me. I knew she was thinking the same as me, wanting to take on more.
But she'd already done so much. She'd put more heart into Heartstrings Jewelry than I had.
"I'll find someone capable. During maternity leave, we should be able to build a good team. Don't worry, once we're back at work, I'll get on it."
Nola frowned. "Our company is still pretty new in the industry. If the leadership isn't strong, we might sink."
"Don't worry, the Morgan Group has plenty of talent. If needed, I'll borrow a few from him."
"That would be best. Then I can relax."
We weren't talking very loudly. I thought the two of them were drinking and not paying attention to us, but John suddenly jumped in, which surprised us.
"If you don't mind, I could help out. I'm good at running around doing errands."
John raised his glass and took a big drink.
"The company is yours to manage however you want. You have that right."
Levi had also heard our conversation. Weren't they supposed to be enjoying their drinks? How were they eavesdropping on us?
"Blair, look, he's giving you authority."
"She already has that authority."
John asked curiously, "What do you mean?"
"She's the owner of the Morgan Group."
"Oh my god..."
Nola stared at me. "Blair, explain."
I'd always thought this was a family matter, not something to share with outsiders.
But Nola was my best friend, and I had no intention of hiding it from her.
"Grandpa transferred his shares to me, but we haven't announced it publicly yet. I don't plan to either, since he's the one who built the company."
"That's such big news. I have to say, Mr. Aiden Morgan really treats you like his precious jewel. I'm pretty jealous, honestly."
John pouted. "Grandpa and Dad gave you shares too, but you refused them."
"I don't care about that stuff. It's just me in my family - eventually, everything will be mine anyway. But I don't want to work, I just want to have fun."
That was Nola's honest truth, which is why I was so grateful for everything she'd done for Heartstrings Jewelry these past few years. Without her fighting on the front lines for me, I couldn't have the amazing company I have now.
"If you want to play, just relax and enjoy yourself. I'll handle the company. I'll draw up an agreement, and we can settle things."
Nola pursed her lips. "You want to split up already?"
"That's not what I mean. We agreed on this from the start, and you said yes back then."
John interrupted us again. "Okay, okay, no more work talk. Since neither of you really cares, just go through the motions."
We'd said no work talk, but we couldn't help bringing it up again.
I passed some fruit to Nola and told her to eat more.
The conversation stopped, but my stomach started hurting. It hurt so bad I broke out in a cold sweat...
Levi noticed something was wrong. He gently touched my shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"My stomach feels a bit off."
Nola cried out, "Please don't let it be the babies."
I waved my hand. "No, it's probably just my stomach."
"It's my fault. I shouldn't have made you try the seafood. Maybe you don't like seafood because your body was warning you that you're allergic."
Levi looked at my neck. "There is a bit of a rash."
"You should be able to use topical cream, right? Or maybe go to the hospital and ask. Allergies keep itching - it's really uncomfortable."
I smiled. "It's fine, it'll pass in a bit."
"Let's head back and rest. We'll call it a night." John stood up to go pay the bill.
"It's already been paid."
Levi helped me up. "Let's go back."
The nice gathering ended like this. I felt really sorry - it kind of ruined the mood.
After we got back to the room, Levi got busy.
He had me lie down on the bed to rest, then took my temperature with a thermometer.
After my temperature came back normal, he went to the bathroom and got a wet towel.
"Let me wipe the rash for you. It should help a bit."
Levi knew some life basics, but not a lot.
I've never paid much attention to my body. When I don't feel well, I just tough it out, so I don't know how to handle it either.
"Is your stomach any better?"
I shook my head. I didn't dare lie to him - if it got serious, it could affect the babies and me.
Levi got nervous. His hands were even shaking a little.
He put the towel aside, then placed his warm hand on my stomach and gently rubbed it.
"Let's try rubbing it first. If it doesn't work, listen to me - we're going straight to the hospital."
Levi kept wanting to take me to the hospital. I felt that getting medical care in a foreign place would be complicated, and besides, I thought it was probably just something I ate - it would get better if I waited it out.
"Okay."
I agreed to his suggestion. I was also afraid of letting my body get worse. Now I wasn't just responsible for myself - I had to be responsible for the two babies too.
His hand moved in circles on my stomach. I felt warm inside, and gradually I fell asleep...