Chapter 406

Chapter 406

After breakfast, Indigo drove Celestia to school.

Levi wore a charcoal-gray short-sleeved shirt today. It was the first time I'd seen him in a dark color, and it made him look even more attractive.

I snuck several glances at him. Every time he looked my way, I'd duck my head, operating under the delusion that if I didn't look at him, he wouldn't notice me watching.

"You're going out?"

I practically jumped. How did he suddenly know? He didn't have X-ray vision—how could he possibly see through my plans?

"No, I'm not."

I tried to sound casual.

"Our daughter said you left a dress in her room."

I stared at Celestia's retreating figure and took a deep breath. Had she really just 'sold me out'?

But Celestia didn't even know I was planning to go out...

The more I tried to hide it, the more obvious it became. If I'd just asked Celestia directly to keep it secret, she probably wouldn't have told him at all.

"There's something at the company. I'm not going to the office—just attending an event."

"Work that doesn't happen at the office is still work."

He didn't pull any punches, calling out my real reason for going immediately.

"I think you'd look great with a tie. Let me go grab one for you."

I tried to change the subject, but his words stopped me cold.

"That won't be necessary."

He glanced at his watch. "Go early, come back early. If anything happens, contact me."

He didn't object. Didn't try to stop me. Wasn't even angry.

Maybe he'd just become immune to my workaholic tendencies and accepted it as inevitable?

In the span of a minute, my mind spun through multiple theories.

"I'm leaving."

"Okay, bye..."

I waved at him awkwardly, my mind going completely blank. By the time his earlier instructions finally registered, it was too late to respond—I could only watch as he walked away, step by step.

I still needed to actively avoid Elliot. I'd already contacted Kennedy, which seemed like a reasonable solution.

Once we got to the venue, I'd tell her everything.

"Traitor."

I sighed inwardly. Celestia had grown up. Some things couldn't escape her notice anymore. She must have told Levi about the dress out of concern, hoping I'd stay home more. What bad intentions could Celestia have? She just wanted me to rest at home during my pregnancy, like any adult would.

I was simply struck by how my daughter had found her own way to care for me.

After changing into the outfit I'd left in Celestia's room, I had the driver take me to pick up Kennedy.

Despite my advance warning, the driver still couldn't escape Kennedy's teasing. She kept calling him 'handsome' the whole ride, and he could barely handle it.

I saw genuine regret in Kennedy's eyes—as if she'd met him too late. Unfortunately, timing is everything, and the driver had already found someone he wanted to spend his life with.

Elliot had chosen our university as the venue. The event's main purpose was to provide job opportunities for graduating seniors.

Under the banner of academic exchange, it served to promote the company while scouting for talent.

When the car pulled into the campus parking lot, I suddenly remembered my first meeting with Elliot. Back then, Michael had introduced him to everyone as a fellow alumnus. I'd just been planning my return to the company.

Nearly a year had passed since then. Time really flew.

"Boss, let's go."

Kennedy pointed at the students outside. "Look how full of energy they are. That was me just a few years ago."

She was a bit younger than me. I looked out the window, feeling like a lifetime had passed.

In the day-to-day grind of married life, I'd truly lost that youthful mindset. Those fragments of my youth seemed to revolve entirely around studying.

"Kennedy, can you represent the company? I don't look quite presentable right now."

Kennedy clicked her tongue. "Boss, I've actually been wanting to ask since I got in the car—how did you get that injury?"

"Domestic violence."

"What!"

"Got you."

She smiled wryly. "Boss, don't joke about things like that. I can't imagine Mr. Morgan ever hurting you."

"Why not?"

"Why would someone who constantly arranges protection for you ever harm you?"

Her words struck a chord. Sometimes I thought he arranged protection because of the baby, but hearing her say it like that—maybe it really was because of me.

"Anyway, I'm counting on you."

Kennedy laughed. "It's nothing, boss. Your business is my business. We women need to maintain our perfect image, right? I get it."

I opened my phone and called Elliot.

"Hello."

"Mr. Sullivan, Kennedy will be representing the company at the event. I'd appreciate it if you could look after her."

"Blair, I can see your car. Would you mind coming down to meet me?"

I lowered the window. Elliot stood right in front of me, phone in hand. The awkwardness was absolutely unbearable.

Kennedy smoothly opened the car door and walked up to shake his hand. "Hello, Mr. Sullivan. It's a pleasure."

"Ava's friend. We've met before. No need to be formal."

Elliot responded warmly.

I sat on pins and needles, not wanting to get out but knowing I had to.

Then the driver opened my door, easing my discomfort.

"What happened to your head?"

"Just a minor injury. It's nothing."

"You might need to change that bandage."

He pointed at the gauze. "It looks old."

"I'll change it after the event."

"Blair, I need your help with something."

At that moment, Jenna actually stepped out of the car.

Kennedy and I exchanged glances, both shocked. That day at her place, Kennedy had hired her as a housekeeper—how was she with Elliot now?

I couldn't help but remember seeing her attend that gala with Alaric. Just how many roles did this woman play?

"Mr. Sullivan, what is it?"

When her eyes met mine, I was too stunned to speak.

But she remained completely calm, not the least bit surprised to see us.

"This is my private medical consultant. With the hot weather, I was worried there might be issues at the venue, so I asked her to come."

Elliot explained the situation. I hadn't expected Jenna to have this kind of relationship with him!

"Please take a look at Ms. Ember. Her bandage needs changing."

Jenna took two steps toward me. I instinctively moved to cover my wound.

"That's not necessary. I'll change it later. Don't trouble yourself."

"Ms. Ember, I'm very professional."

I waved my hands repeatedly. "I'm not questioning your abilities. Really, it's not necessary. Mr. Sullivan, you should head in. Kennedy, please assist Mr. Sullivan."

Kennedy extended her hand. "Mr. Sullivan, after you."

Rejected by me again, Jenna still showed no emotion.

Elliot nodded. "Alright then. We'll head in first."

I watched Jenna follow behind them, a feeling I couldn't quite describe settling in my chest. Just how capable was she to have become Elliot's medical consultant?