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

“You’re definitely up

innocent, pure girl,” Selene said

de, 11 Feb M

Chapter 29

11

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

turned her attention back to

of them left together to head to the restaurant. It was only

be our protector now that you’re Director!” Selene and Joycelyn both linked arms with

Joycelyn to that drinking party yesterday, I wouldn’t have gotten

because you’re so talented, Aurelia. Mr. Grant definitely noticed your abilities, Joycelyn

of them laughed and chatted as they walked, and Joycelyn soon forgot

earlier.

they reached the restaurant, Selene told the other two to go ahead and

waiting for?” Joycelyn asked.

catch up in a minute,” Selene said just as her

“We’re here, where are you?”

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

said I’ll be getting the Director’s salary

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 much help from

now that she had cut ties with certain people, she felt lighter and more at ease accepting others‘ kindness–after all,

set at this restaurant. Once they

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

Selene returned, and to Joycelyn’s surprise, she was accompanied by a tall,

have been over six feet tall, with an air of refined elegance and the poise of a young nobleman. His presence was both graceful and dignified. He looked vaguely familiar.

college friends, Ronny Downs. He’s

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

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

Chapter 29

the annual meeting.

surprised. Her dark eyes widened as she tried

a distance. It’s perfectly fine if you

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