Chapter 4
The phone kept ringing. I stared at the message, hesitating. The company had received an invitation.
Nola was asking if I wanted to go.
She said this school anniversary wasn't just about inviting outstanding graduates back to share their experiences - it was actually a pretty big industry gathering.
The entire design institute would showcase many excellent works for discussion, and special guests could directly purchase finished pieces or even invest in them.
I was torn.
If I went, it would pave the way for my comeback. And if someone appreciated my work, it could bring funding to the company.
Over these years, I'd done some designing in my spare time, but I knew it probably didn't fit current trends.
I'm a bit stubborn - I won't cater to the market, which is why the company was always just so-so back then.
But Nola is different. She grew up in a business family and goes after whatever makes money, so under her management, the company has gained quite a reputation.
Could I really do this?
Would I upset the balance?
Would my presence bring bad influence to the company?
"Hello?"
"Oh my dear Blair, why did it take you so long to answer? Did you see my message? Our school anniversary - all the big names are gathering this time."
I took a breath. "Nola, do you think I can do this?"
"Wait, since when are you so scared? Didn't you say you were considering coming back? This is a perfect opportunity."
Worried I was anxious, Nola added, "Professor Elise specifically invited you. You can't say no to her."
"Really?"
I was doubtful. After all, when I left the industry, I didn't want to face anyone I knew.
"Of course! It's an evening event. Do you need me to help you pick out some clothes?" I could hear Nola laughing.
I knew she wanted to go shopping with me, but I was still conflicted, so I turned her down.
I'd left in such a rush before, in a bad state, and just grabbed a few clothes. Looking carefully now, I realized they were all business suits...
As evening fell, when Nola picked me up, she went on about how wearing something so formal was too much for a company president, and as Levi's wife, it would make people laugh.
I tugged at my suit sleeve and smiled it off.
For this kind of occasion, I seemed a bit too formally dressed as a woman.
Nola had brought the company's latest work. She didn't plan on it and had no idea I was going to present my earlier drawings.
Of course, I decided to remain anonymous.
Meeting old friends brought such joy. Even though Nola looked down on my outfit, she still took me around to greet everyone.
Besides some old classmates, everyone else was a stranger to me.
This would save me some unnecessary trouble. Just now, I seemed to see some familiar faces - the wives of those CEOs who had business dealings with Levi.
"Blair, you finally decided to grace us with your presence!"
Professor Elise's greeting made me feel ashamed. "Professor Elise, you're too kind."
"Lift your head up." Professor Brynn Elise's hand gently patted my shoulder. "You're one of my prides. Why are you being so timid?"
I was panicked inside, but also encouraged. I shook hands with Professor Elise. "Professor Elise, I really look forward to your guidance."
"I received it. The style is consistent as always. I really appreciate it."
I didn't expect Professor Elise to have already seen the design draft I sent her. It was just today, and she's so busy. I was truly flattered.
"You're too kind."
"You should have had a bright future. Though you're sometimes stubborn, your professional ability is beyond question. It's not too late to come back now."
"Professor Elise, long time no see."
Before I could respond, other alumni were greeting Professor Elise. She smiled gently, nodded at me, and went elsewhere.
My anxious heart finally settled. As long as Professor Elise promoted my work tonight, whether I succeeded or not, I felt I'd already won.
This really gave me the courage to start over!
Nola shook my arm. "Can you relax now? I told you, once you come back, you won't need me at all."
"Wrong, wrong, wrong. Without you, this family would fall apart." I smiled easily. "How much did you help this time?"
Nola quickly waved her hands. "Let me tell you, this time I really just made a small phone call to Professor Elise. It's your work that's impressive."
"Thank you."
The only thing I could say was "thanks."
I knew that with my current state, it would be impossible for Professor Elise to notice me in time. Besides, everyone here tonight was impressive, and the works they brought had already been screened multiple times.
Other competitors brought finished products, while I only had design drawings. If I were lucky enough to be appreciated, that would be a story for later.
But my heart was starting to brighten up.
Nola and I found a quiet corner and talked about some company matters. Then Levi's sister, Cleo Morgan, actually walked toward me.
My heart raced. How could this be such a coincidence?
Nola knew about our relationship. She greeted them first, but Cleo acted indifferent, as if she didn't know me.
"Miss Skye, I really like your company's work. I've already bid on it. I hope when you have new pieces, you can share them with me." Cleo had a superior attitude.
"Um, okay, okay."
Nola held back for my sake. After all, she hated Cleo's attitude, especially the disdainful look she gave me.
Cleo glanced at me. "You snuck in here too? Don't tell me my brother shares my taste now and wants to invest in Miss Skye?"
The people around her didn't look friendly either. They probably thought I was someone who didn't belong here.
"Ms. Morgan, someone you know?" a wife nearby asked.
Cleo laughed lightly. "Her? She's a secretary at my brother's company."
She pretended not to know me.
I knew that in the Morgan family, except for Grandpa and Grandma, who liked me, everyone else treated me coldly. They always thought I wasn't a good match for Levi, that marrying him meant I was climbing above my station.
But I wanted to cut ties with them anyway. I was planning to divorce Levi, so I didn't mind offending his sister.
"Take the things I bought home for me later." Cleo was ordering me around again.
She had indeed bossed me around too many times before. For family harmony, I'd done a lot for her; even babysitting her kids was common.
"Sorry, I have things to do later. It's not on my way."
Cleo's eyes widened. She was about to lose her temper when a woman next to her stopped her. "Ms. Morgan, didn't your driver say he was going to pick up your kids first? It's on the way."
"How annoying."
Cleo walked away with a wave of her hand.
Nola was silent. She must be confused about why I was treated this way. Levi was such an impressive person - how could he let me be so humble in front of Cleo?
But I wouldn't take it anymore. I needed to be brave.