Chapter 41
For many days, Levi and I didn't talk to each other.
He and Celestia invited me several times, but I declined, saying I was busy with work.
In the evening, just before getting out of work, Nola came into my office with a big smile on her face. I knew right away she wanted something from me again.
"Blair, tonight is the birthday party for my dad's good friend's daughter. Come with me."
"That wouldn't be appropriate. Mr. Jonah Clarke's daughter's birthday party isn't like those regular events you can just sneak into. I don't have an invitation, and I have no connection with them."
Nola pouted, "Just come with me. The Clarke family invited a lot of people, and they won't even notice you."
"I'm confused. The Clarke family's daughter must be twenty-three or twenty-four already, right? And they're still throwing birthday parties for her?"
"Uncle Jonah has always been loaded. As long as Yara doesn't get married, he'll throw one every year."
The Clarke family and the Morgan Group probably don't have much overlap, but what if they invited Levi? Then we'd have to see each other again.
"I'd better not go. He and I are still in a cold war. If he goes too, that would be trouble. I don't want to see him."
Nola was speechless. "What did you two fight about again? Things seemed fine recently. I saw your family of three looking so happy together."
"It's complicated. Please let me off the hook. I'm really not going."
Nola grabbed my arm and shook it. "Blair, just come with me. That blind date guy my dad set me up with is going, too. I'm afraid my dad will make us chat more, and I really don't want to."
"Besides, there will definitely be big shots there tonight. Our winter collection is about to launch. The company's funds are okay for now, but getting new financing wouldn't hurt."
"Haven't you talked about cooperation with WR?"
"If Mr. Sullivan hasn't contacted you, then no. You've always been the one dealing with them. He's never contacted me."
Ever since Elliot and I started working together, I've indeed been handling everything between our two companies.
"Come on, just go. I promise this is the last time. Next time I'll face it myself."
I really couldn't refuse. After all, she's my best friend, and she's always supported and helped me unconditionally with my stuff.
"I don't have a dress at the office. I need to go buy one nearby. If I go home, I probably won't make it in time."
"That's easy. I've already prepared one. Let's go to my office and try it on now."
Turns out she had already arranged everything. Well then, I might as well accept her kindness.
The early winter sky darkened quickly. Nola and I drove separately. She arrived first and waited for me in the parking lot.
I saw her waving at me from a distance, having found me a parking spot. She's so thoughtful about everything, except her own marriage, which is driving her crazy.
"It's so cold. Why didn't you wait for me inside, or at least in the car?"
I parked quickly and hurried with her toward the Clarke family villa.
Nola was wearing too little, not warm at all. I could see her shivering from the cold.
"It's fine, beauty comes first."
"Put this on quick, don't freeze."
I draped the shawl she had prepared for me over her shoulders.
"You have a coat in your car?"
"Yeah, I didn't have one at the office, but I found one in my car. It's very warm, and I think it looks more appropriate. I don't really like things that are too fancy."
Nola kept shaking her head. "You're really wasting my good intentions. The one I picked for you is the latest style. Every guy who sees you won't be able to look away, especially with your figure."
"Stop it. I can't even attract Levi."
We joked around as we entered the Clarke family's banquet hall.
I have to say, the Clarke family is really luxurious. The Morgan family doesn't even have a hall specially built for parties like this.
"Dad, I brought Blair."
Nola went straight to her father, making it clear that I'd be with her all evening, so he wouldn't randomly arrange for her to meet her blind date.
"Uncle Finn, long time no see." I took the initiative to shake his hand.
Finn was very gracious, saying with a smile, "I feel better knowing Nola is with you. When you have time, talk to her properly. She should find someone suitable and get married."
"Sure, I'll talk to her. Girls should get married when they're old enough."
"See how reasonable Blair is? Learn from her."
Nola smiled secretly. "Okay, I'll learn, I'll definitely follow Blair's example."
"Cassius Blackwood is over there. Go say hello." Uncle Finn was talking about Nola's blind date, still trying to set them up.
"Okay, okay, mission accepted. We'll go over now. You have a good time."
Nola pulled me away, afraid her dad would keep nagging.
We wanted to find a corner to have a drink, but Elliot suddenly appeared.
"Ms. Ember, Ms. Skye, what a pleasure."
"Don't be so serious and formal. We're all young people here." Nola wasn't fond of this kind of official talk.
Elliot looked a bit awkward. "Hey, it's a habit. But I didn't expect to meet you here. Mr. Clarke invited me too; otherwise, I would have missed this chance to hang out with you."
The three of us talked as we made our way to the window area, where there were fewer people.
I looked around and didn't see Levi. Looks like he didn't come tonight. That's for the best.
"I went to see our teacher a few days ago. He mentioned you guys. Next time we have a chance, let's go visit him together."
Elliot casually invited us, but aside from our work collaboration, we don't have much private interaction, and we're not that close.
"Okay."
Seeing that I didn't say anything, Nola had to respond.
"Is your company about to launch the winter collection? Do you have any financing needs right now?"
I really didn't expect Elliot to bring up our financing needs on his own. Does he want to work with us again?
"Not at the moment, but we're considering it." I wasn't sure. WR's support had already surprised me.
Elliot saw Nola's blind date walking toward us, so he took the initiative to invite me to get a drink nearby.
Nola kept sending me distress signals, but the guy was already standing next to her, making small talk.
"Ms. Ember, if you're interested, we can discuss the financing matter soon..."
Elliot's voice trailed off as he spoke. I followed his gaze and turned around to find Levi standing right behind me.
"Mr. Morgan, right? I'm Elliot Sullivan from WR. Pleasure to meet you."
Elliot took the initiative to be friendly with Levi. Everyone wants a piece of the Morgan Group's big pie.
"Hello."
Levi didn't shake his hand. Elliot quietly pulled his hand back.
"Mr. Morgan, would you like a drink?"
"I'm here to pick up my wife."
I had just taken a sip to calm my nerves when Levi's words made me choke. What was he saying? What wife?
"You mean..."
Levi snatched the glass from my hand. "Didn't you say you wouldn't drink anymore?"
My eyes widened. Levi had never been this domineering with me before. He never used to control me.
And he had never called me his wife in front of outsiders before. What's gotten into him?