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.

a

narrowed her eyes. “You’re definitely up to something.”

an innocent, pure girl,” Selene said with a

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for Selene’s constant teasing, she wouldn’t have gotten so drunk that night and ended up in that awkward

made her face flush. She quickly turned her attention back to

three of them left together to head to the restaurant. It was only a ten–minute

happy for you! You’ll be our protector now that

I hadn’t gone with Joycelyn to that drinking party yesterday, I

so talented, Aurelia. Mr. Grant definitely noticed your abilities, Joycelyn said, complimenting her.

and Joycelyn soon forgot

earlier.

Selene told the other two to go ahead and find a seat

you waiting

catch up in

answered it. “We’re here, where are you?” she

on the phone, Joycelyn glanced curiously in the direction she had come

be getting the Director’s

flushed slightly, still feeling a bit

the past, when money was tight, she dreaded team lunches because they would eat up so much of her budget. She also didn’t want to

more at ease accepting others‘ kindness–after all, she

the steak set at this restaurant. Once they arrived, they chose a quiet, cozy

off to the service desk, probably to use her employee discount. Joycelyn settled down and started flipping

surprise, she was accompanied by a tall, handsome man

elegance and the poise of a young

my college friends, Ronny Downs. He’s our company’s

polite

and shook his hand, offering a polite smile in

Chapter 29

seen you before, at the annual meeting. Ronny

bit surprised. Her dark eyes widened as she

crossed paths from a distance. It’s perfectly fine if

afar and thought, “Wow, she’s amazing huh? That’s exactly how