Chapter 396

Chapter 396

I hadn't been back to the Morgan mansion in ages. Originally, I'd planned to go home and have lunch with Levi, but halfway there I suddenly changed my mind—I wanted to visit Aiden and Rhea.

So I ended up having lunch with Aiden and Rhea, and I stayed at the Morgan mansion the entire afternoon.

When Levi heard I was at the Morgan mansion, he didn't contact me at all. Not once.

First, I took a good, solid nap. When I woke up in the afternoon, I had tea with Aiden and practiced calligraphy.

Rhea went out for afternoon tea with friends. She'd wanted to bring me along, but worried that sitting too long would tire me out, so she went by herself.

Aiden and Rhea wanted me to stay for dinner, but the driver quietly told me that Levi had a party to attend tonight and would probably be drinking. He suggested dropping me off at home first, then picking Levi up afterward.

I figured since it was on the way anyway, I said goodbye to Aiden and Rhea and went straight to pick up Levi myself.

The Grandview Hotel.

We waited in the parking lot while inside, the place was ablaze with lights and looked lively.

This hotel belonged to John's family too. His and Nola's engagement party had been held here.

"Mrs. Morgan, should I go in and check?"

"It's probably hard to get in without an invitation."

The driver smiled. "I've been here with Mr. Morgan before. I know the manager here—I shouldn't have any trouble getting in."

"Let's wait a bit longer."

"But you don't know how long you'll be waiting like this, and you haven't had dinner yet. You can't go hungry."

"It's fine. I'm not really hungry."

I didn't want my arrival to disrupt Levi's evening. What if he was inside discussing something important and I interrupted? That wouldn't be good.

Besides, I'd come to pick him up on my own initiative. Maybe he didn't even need me to.

The driver had no choice but to wait with me.

Time started dragging again. I stared outside until I felt almost dazed.

Then I saw a familiar figure, and suddenly I snapped to attention.

I could've sworn I saw Jessa...

With all those scandals swirling around her right now, how dare she show up here? Was she planning to appear alongside Levi to cause an even bigger stir?

If Levi refused to help her, was she going to drag him down with her?

"Mrs. Morgan, where are you going?"

I opened the car door and grabbed a hat and mask. "You don't need to follow me."

The driver quickly got out too and hurried after me.

"Mrs. Morgan, you don't have an invitation either."

"Didn't you say you know the manager? Just tell them I'm Levi's secretary, here to deliver something."

"All right, then."

I had to get in there and see for myself. I needed to know if Jessa was going to keep pestering Levi. If she approached him directly, it would put him in a very difficult position.

With the driver's help, I actually made it into the venue.

I hadn't expected to run into Mr. Hill, one of Levi's old friends, the moment I walked in.

He recognized the driver and naturally guessed my identity.

"Levi's secretary, right?"

He approached me first, leading me to a quiet spot by the window.

"Yes."

"I knew it was you. Levi didn't mention you were coming. Wait here—I'll go get him."

"Don't tell him yet."

I stopped him. I didn't want Levi to know I was here just yet.

Mr. Hill nodded. "All right. If you need anything, just have someone come find me. Lots of people here know Levi well. I know you don't want to reveal who you are, so be careful."

"Okay."

The driver and I stood quietly in a corner, observing. I searched hard for any sign of Jessa. Just when I was starting to feel lost, I spotted Jenna instead!

Tonight she wore exquisite makeup and a gorgeous gown. She wasn't working at some barbecue stand—she was Alaric's date.

I saw it clear as day. She was actually standing beside Jessa's ex-boyfriend!

Back when Jessa had tried to use Alaric as a stepping stone, she'd ended up being used by him instead. He'd wanted to leverage her connection to collaborate with Levi, but it never panned out.

At Alaric's grandfather's birthday banquet, Jessa had been utterly humiliated too.

Was Jenna appearing at his side now just to mess with Jessa?

But that didn't make sense. The person she wanted revenge on was Arabella—this had little to do with Jessa.

I followed Mr. Hill's movements until I found Levi. There were no other women around him. Jessa hadn't approached him. I breathed a sigh of relief.

I casually picked up a glass of champagne, but the driver stopped me.

"Mrs. Morgan, let me get you some juice from over there."

"A little sip won't hurt."

The driver shook his head. "No, you need to take care of yourself."

From a distance, I watched Jenna. I was amazed by this new role of hers. She was truly a bombshell-level figure. She looked so delicate and fragile, yet here she was, transformed into a socialite on the arm of some playboy.

Alaric had some wealth, sure. Even Jessa, back when she was riding high, hadn't gotten much out of him. Jenna probably wouldn't fare any better.

So why was she getting close to him? What secrets did they share?

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice Levi standing right beside me.

The driver came back with orange juice, saw him, and bowed his head. "Mr. Morgan."

I snapped back to reality, my body trembling slightly.

"Ever since you stopped working, you've actually gotten busier."

"What?"

"Seeing friends during the day, visiting elders in the afternoon, and now personally picking me up from work at night?"

Levi's tone held no reproach—just teasing, even a hint of pride.

"I was passing by. Thought I'd pick you up."

"I see."

Just then, Mr. Hill walked over and raised his glass to me. "Finally get to see you two together properly. We never got to have that fishing trip—guess this makes up for it."

I raised my orange juice in return. "Last time there was an emergency. I'm very sorry. I'll toast with juice instead—I hope Mr. Hill doesn't mind."

We clinked glasses.

Mr. Hill waved his hand. "Don't be so formal with me. I was just joking earlier. Levi's the one with real clout—I'm not messing with him."

"Still, we were the ones who didn't show up."

"Levi, when are you two going public? Look at this—it's so hot out and she still has to cover up like this."

"My wife has the final say."

I smiled awkwardly. "Soon. Very soon."

"Then I'll be waiting for the good news."

"You two should go. Don't draw attention over here."

Mr. Hill smirked. "I don't have that kind of pull, but Levi's a different story. Everyone still thinks he's single."

Levi shot him a look, then took my hand and headed for the exit.

"Where are you going?"

"Home."

Just like that? So suddenly? Wasn't he going to say goodbye to his friends?

I didn't say anything, just followed him. When we neared the door, he let go of my hand. There were cameras everywhere here, plus some acquaintances seeing people off.

The driver walked ahead with him while I followed behind alone.

I'd thought I was bundled up pretty thoroughly, but suddenly someone called out.

"Blair, what are you doing here?"

My heart sank. That voice... Elliot?

I turned around. It really was him.

"Mr. Sullivan, good evening."

"Don't be so formal with me. Are you here alone? Heading home? Want me to give you a ride?"

He enthusiastically offered to drive me home.

I pointed toward Levi in the distance. "I came to pick him up."