Chapter 175
I walked ahead, with the two of them following behind.
When Levi and I made eye contact, he stood up.
I pointed at the door, signaling him to go out first, but he walked straight over to me instead.
I looked around - luckily, everyone here was busy, and no one was watching us.
"Why did you come here?"
Levi stared at me, "Am I not allowed to come?"
"No, no, I mean, during this special time, we shouldn't be seen together in public. Ava is upstairs; if she sees us, there'll be trouble again."
I was really afraid Ava would show up now and expose our relationship to everyone.
"I've already made things clear with her; she knows better."
"She's the type whose emotions are all over the place, who knows if she'll change her mind."
Although Ava said she'd keep our secret, emotional changes are always unpredictable. If she saw Levi here and impulsively chased after him, that would be really awkward.
"You two stop arguing, let's just go outside first."
Even though this was John's place, he couldn't guarantee there weren't eyes watching from somewhere. Fortunately, Levi never liked making enemies, or our secret marriage would have been exposed long ago.
"It's fine."
"You might be fine with it, but Blair doesn't want to go public now. Pregnant women are emotionally sensitive - if she's unhappy, it affects your baby too."
This was the first time Nola had spoken to Levi like this. She was worried for me and didn't want me bothered by these trivial matters.
Levi immediately stopped talking. He took my hand and headed outside.
John laughed helplessly, "Honey, you're so brave. I bet not many people dare talk to him like that."
"We're all friends, and I'm not saying anything bad. Ava is really difficult to deal with. I just went two rounds with her, and even though I had the upper hand on the surface, I'm not happy about it either. She's targeting Blair specifically - very purposeful and aggressive."
"It's your class reunion. Why did she even come?"
Nola pouted, "You'd have to ask Elliot about that. He organized the reunion but invited his friends from studying abroad."
"So she's actually in the same industry as you guys?"
"Maybe. Her father is a diamond tycoon; it would be a waste if she didn't make use of that."
Hearing their conversation, I suddenly felt a sense of crisis. If Ava targeted me to pursue Levi, I couldn't compete with her on cost alone.
Once she entered our industry in this city, Heartstrings Jewelry probably wouldn't be her match. Plus, her style had an international flair that subtly stood out - the novelty factor alone might draw all the consumers to support her.
And she was friends with Elliot. I couldn't imagine how powerful they'd be if they joined forces.
"Don't worry, she can't reach that far. I guarantee your company will be rock solid in the domestic market."
Levi had already figured out what I was worried about?
He really was amazing.
"I'm not scared."
The corners of his mouth lifted into a beautiful smile.
"Give me your car keys."
I didn't think much and just handed him the keys. It wasn't until he sat in the driver's seat that I realized he was driving for me.
Before, I was always the one picking him up and dropping him off, serving him. Now it had reversed - I had become the one being protected.
"Nola, we're heading back first. Everything at the company is basically sorted out, and everyone can relax and enjoy the holiday these days. You're welcome to visit our place anytime."
John waved at Levi, then looked at me, "Don't worry, we didn't settle things last night. When there's time, I'll still compete with him."
"Haha, then I support you - beat him."
"Tsk tsk, challenging me to a drinking contest when I can't drink, how boring."
Nola was already itching for it. Drinking on my behalf today was already breaking her rules, but she hadn't had enough - that amount of alcohol really didn't match her usual style.
"After the baby is born, I'll have a few drinks with you."
"Forget it, with your alcohol tolerance, I'm afraid you'll get drunk and make another baby. Then you'll be stuck in an endless cycle of having babies and raising babies."
I was speechless. Getting pregnant really was because of getting drunk last time.
We waved goodbye. I got in the car and watched the scenery pass by outside the window.
Levi didn't say anything, but from the corner of my eye I could see his expression - he seemed to be in a good mood.
Just as I was enjoying the sunlight, my phone rang.
I saw "Jessa" on the caller ID and felt uneasy.
"Hello?"
"Blair, you're quite something. Honestly, I really admire you."
I didn't say anything, waiting for her to continue. I didn't understand what she meant by starting the conversation like this.
"I've agreed to moving the grave. Find a time to do it, just let me know. I need to know the new location - I still have part of my documentary left to record."
She agreed?
"I wasn't planning to move his grave anytime soon."
Jessa's tone suddenly became sharper, "Blair, are you showing off now? Do you feel superior having everyone revolve around you?"
"I don't understand what you're talking about."
"If Elliot hadn't traded a global endorsement deal with me, I would never have let you move the grave."
Elliot?
Global endorsement?
So Jessa suddenly changed her mind because Elliot convinced her with this very tempting condition?
But why would Elliot do this?
"I tried everything to please him for this endorsement before, and it didn't work. I don't know what kind of influence you have that made him come to me on his own."
"Haha, your husband negotiated with me for you, and now Elliot Sullivan pops up, too. You're quite charming."
I really hated her saying this, as if I were seducing someone. My friendship with Elliot wasn't close enough for him to do this for me.
Levi's furrowed brow made me anxious - he must have heard our conversation.
"Stop talking nonsense. I'm not considering moving the grave right now."
"Whatever you want. Once I sign the endorsement contract, it takes effect anyway. His assistant already sent over the contract just now. What happens next has nothing to do with me."
Jessa hung up. My heart suddenly felt empty.
For the next few minutes, I was lost in confusion until Elliot sent me a message.
[I'm very sorry about Ava. I really didn't tell her on purpose. I'm truly sorry for her sudden visit today. Seeing that she was targeting you, I felt helpless. Learning that you wanted to move the grave, I've already worked things out with Jessa. She agreed. I hope this can make it up to you.]
So this was his way of compensating me. A wave of bitterness washed over my heart. Actually, he could say whatever he wanted - even if he had told Ava directly, I couldn't really blame him. He was just stating facts.
I was just curious how he knew I wanted to move the grave. From Jessa's tone, she seemed pretty surprised, too.
Very few people knew about this. Where did he hear it from?