Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 29

Joycelyn wasn’t in the best mood that morning, so she focused on work to distract herself.

Aurelia went to HR and returned with a new work badge, grinning and keeping her head down as she tried not to laugh.

“Congratulations to our Aurelia, now promoted to Director!” Selene teased, making a playful face.

It was only then that Joycelyn noticed Aurelia had come back from HR. “Congrats on the promotion, Aurelia! From now on, it’ll be ‘Director Finch Joycelyn clapped and cheered.

“Thanks to everyone’s support,” Aurelia replied with a smile. “And I owe it to Joycelyn’s good luck. How about I treat everyone to lunch? My treat!” The office burst into cheers at her offer.

“Sorry, I have plans, Anna Davidson, Linda’s assistant, said coolly, rejecting the invitation.

Their small team had split into two factions.

One group, led by Anna, mostly supported Linda and made up the majority of their department. They were constantly flattering Linda, hoping to take advantage of her connection with Ellison for career opportunities.

The other group, led by Aurelia, Joycelyn, and Selene, was a no–nonsense team who didn’t play office politics and preferred. to focus on getting their work done.

“Alright, I won’t keep everyone waiting. Joycelyn, Selene, let’s go!” Aurelia said.

“Sure,” Joycelyn immediately agreed.

Selene, equally excited, whispered something in Aurelia’s ear.

Aurelia nodded. ‘Sounds good. I’ll make a reservation. We’ll go to that star-rated restaurant next door. We get a discount with our work badges,” she said with a mischievous grin.

“Always thinking of us hardworking employees, our amazing Director Finch!” Selene complimented, lost in her thoughts. “Hey, do you think Mr. Grant doesn’t have any scandals because he’s into men? With his body and that powerful aura, he’s definitely got that emperor vibe,” Selene suddenly blurted out.

Joycelyn, who had been drinking water, immediately choked and started coughing violently. Her soft, pale face turned bright red from the coughing fit.

“Joycelyn, are you okay? That was some serious coughing.” Aurelia asked.

“I’m fine, just choked on air,” Joycelyn said quickly, waving her hand to signal she was okay.

“Take it easy, you’re getting all worked up.”

“I’m not worked up. Joycelyn muttered, wiping her mouth with a tissue, trying to avoid Selene’s cheeky gaze.

on a sly

“You’re definitely

innocent, pure girl,” Selene said with

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she wouldn’t have gotten so drunk that

face flush. She quickly turned her

them left together to head to the restaurant. It was only a ten–minute walk, so they decided to

now that

course! If I hadn’t gone with Joycelyn to that drinking party yesterday, I wouldn’t

you’re so talented, Aurelia. Mr. Grant definitely

they walked, and Joycelyn soon forgot about the awkward moment with

earlier.

restaurant, Selene told the other two to go ahead

are you waiting for?” Joycelyn asked.

and order. I’ll catch up in

answered it. “We’re here,

curiously in the

and grab a table. Mr. Grant said I’ll be getting the Director’s salary this month, so today’s meal is on me

Joycelyn’s cheeks flushed slightly, still feeling a

tight, she dreaded team lunches because they would eat up so much of her budget. She also didn’t want to accept too

she felt lighter and more at ease

steak set at this restaurant. Once they

sit with Aurelia, but Aurelia went off to the service desk, probably to use her employee discount. Joycelyn settled down and started

she

been over six feet tall, with an air of refined elegance and the poise of

college friends, Ronny Downs. He’s our company’s Art Director.”

at Joycelyn and, with a polite smile, extended his hand.

shook his hand, offering a polite smile in return. “Hello,

Chapter 29

seen you before, at the annual

bit surprised. Her dark eyes widened as she tried to recall where they had

paths from a distance. It’s perfectly

each other from afar and thought, “Wow, she’s amazing huh? That’s exactly how I felt when I first met Joycelyn. Looks