Chapter 393

Chapter 393

I stepped out from behind the wall, my eyes still on Jenna as I watched her tuck the cardstock into her canvas tote.

At least I had some sense of where things stood—she was considering it. Otherwise, she wouldn't have picked it back up.

"Levi, this night market is seriously amazing. You should give it a try instead of working all the time."

Faye's words instantly grabbed my attention. The moment I locked eyes with Levi, my whole body went numb. What was he doing here?

He wore sunglasses and a mask. I couldn't see his expression behind the lenses, but he had to be furious. I'd lied and told him I was having dinner at Natalia's.

Faye froze. The barbecue must have been so good it took her a second to realize we'd snuck out behind Levi's back.

She glanced awkwardly at Levi, not daring to say a word.

I suddenly remembered I'd said I was going to buy Faye a burger. Under Levi's gaze, I slowly backed up a few steps. My heart pounded. Guilt churned in my stomach as I turned and walked forward.

Thankfully, there really was a burger stand nearby. My memory hadn't failed me.

"Boss, add these three toppings for me."

"Sure thing. Coming right up."

I stole a glance back at them. Levi had his head down—he didn't seem to be looking at me.

Faye was still eating. She was probably so embarrassed her toes were curling in her shoes. Never mind that she usually bantered with Levi—right now she probably didn't dare breathe too loudly.

Thinking about it now, our excuse had been pathetic. All Levi had to do was make one phone call to find out whether we'd actually gone to Natalia's for dinner. Plus, the driver's confidentiality could only hold up under so much questioning.

Even if the driver kept his mouth shut, he couldn't stand up to Levi—his direct boss.

I picked up the burger and walked back, one step at a time. Each step made my legs feel weaker. It wasn't that I was afraid of Levi—I was afraid he'd discover my plan.

I didn't know when Levi had arrived or whether he'd noticed me talking to Jenna.

"Blair, you're finally back."

Faye had already seen me earlier when my hands were empty. She was clearly covering for me now.

I stood next to Levi and held the burger out to him. "Want some burger?"

Levi coughed lightly. He seemed surprised I'd asked.

"Blair, Levi—"

"I'll try it."

He took the burger and examined it. Just as he was about to remove his mask, Jenna walked over. I stepped in front of Levi and pressed down on his hand.

"Let's eat in the car instead."

The night market was a safe place, but Levi couldn't let Jenna recognize him. Since she'd exposed Jessa, she naturally knew something about Levi too.

She'd had her friend ghostwrite vague descriptions of Levi. On the surface, it didn't seem targeted at him, but if she discovered he was my husband, any chance of cooperation between us would be dead in the water.

"Blair, I'm not done yet. I just ordered more barbecue."

Faye was still enjoying herself. She loved this kind of street food.

I knew Levi didn't like this environment. The only reason he was sitting here was because of me.

"We'll take it to go."

I pulled Levi to his feet and hooked my arm through his. Just then, Jenna brought drinks to the table in front of us. Our eyes met for a second before she turned away.

"Let's get in the car first. Faye, come over after you've packed everything up."

"Blair, are we really in that much of a rush?"

Levi followed me, asking, "Are you hiding something from me?"

"No."

I denied it immediately, so smoothly even I couldn't detect a crack in my story.

"You're lying."

"What?"

"What did Mom make for dinner tonight?"

I shoved the burger into his hands. "Okay, I did lie about that. I was afraid you wouldn't let us come eat here."

Levi waved the burger in his hand. "I don't know what nutritional value this has."

"Some things aren't eaten for their nutritional value. Burgers taste good. My grandmother used to make them, and my mom made them for me when I was little. They provide 'emotional value.'"

"You need emotional value?"

The two of us got in the car. The driver looked thoroughly embarrassed—he'd had no choice but to give me up.

"Just try it first, then tell me what you think."

My wheedling tone made even me cringe. If I didn't need to keep him calm, I would never sound like this.

Only then did he remove his mask and unwrap the burger, taking a small bite.

"It's good, right? Let me try some too."

I took a tiny bite. The taste really did remind me of my grandmother's cooking.

Levi chewed slowly without offering any comment.

Faye climbed into the car carrying her barbecue. "Levi, move over. I want to sit next to Blair."

Even the driver felt embarrassed for Faye as Levi glared at her.

When he didn't budge, Faye nudged him. "Levi, why don't you sit up front then? Ladies first. You have zero manners."

"Ms. Ruth, Mr. Morgan probably wants to sit next to Mrs. Morgan," the driver gently pointed out.

Faye's lips curved upward. "You two are together all day—you'll have plenty of chances. Levi, get up and let me have the seat. I want to sit next to Blair."

Levi's expression darkened. As Faye kept insisting, he had no choice but to get out from the other side.

"You go ahead."

He closed the car door.

The driver and I exchanged glances.

"Mr. Morgan drove here himself. He'll drive back on his own."

"Right. Let's go."

The moment he left the car, my whole body relaxed. Faye had done exactly what I needed—at least I wouldn't have to deal with this awkwardness for a little while.

Since Levi had tracked us down here, he'd come on purpose. He'd tested me with one question but hadn't pressed further. That was the boundary he was giving me.

"Blair, you have no idea how awkward it was just now, facing an angry Levi all by myself. Natalia texted me saying he'd called her, asking where we were."

"Who knew he'd actually call?"

Faye pouted. "I should've told Natalia ahead of time and had her back us up."

"I didn't want her to worry about us. I never thought he'd actually make that call."

"Levi cares about you so much. Before, he never would've bothered verifying something this small. But now that you're pregnant, your safety matters. It's normal for him to worry."

Faye waved the food in her hands. "This trip was totally worth it. Even if Levi caught us, I'm still happy."

"I'll bring you again next time."

"Come back here? I'm seriously afraid Levi will drag me out and execute me."

She made me laugh. I could tell she'd genuinely been afraid Levi would blame her today.

I'd successfully met with Jenna—that was a good thing. I looked forward to her response. If she agreed to work with me, Arabella would get what was coming to her very soon.

Combined with Henry's cooperation, attacking from both sides would definitely produce better results.

"Blair, Levi didn't say anything to you, did he? I saw him eating the burger you bought."

"No."

The truth was, I'd been touched that he came looking for me himself. I'd just been too tense earlier, afraid Jenna would recognize him, so I'd forced myself to stay calm.