Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 72

After Joycelyn spoke, she noticed Tenley’s face darken immediately.

She gave a soft smile, as if her previous sharp words had just been a joke.

After all, when someone makes things difficult for her, there’s no need to be too concerned with saving face.

“Joycelyn, what’s that supposed to mean? Who are you disgusted with?” Tenley’s voice immediately rose, full of anger.

“Isn’t that the case?” Lucy chimed in, unafraid of Tenley’s fury.

The tension in the air thickened, and the other guests started to intervene.

“Come on, everyone, we’re all old classmates here, let’s keep things civil. This is the teacher’s birthday party, after all. Both of you beautiful ladies, please cool down.”

“Yes, let’s all sit down and wait for dinner to start.”

Two classmates, known for livening up the atmosphere, quickly stepped in to smooth things over, trying to divert attention away from the conflict.

“Looks like the teacher won’t be coming today, he’s feeling a bit under the weather. My gift’s already been delivered, so I’ll let

you

all enjoy the evening.” Joycelyn placed her gift with the others and, not wanting to linger, made her way towards the door.

Caroline nudged Tenley and gave her a look.

Though Tenley still looked displeased, she responded, “Joycelyn, I was too brash earlier. I truly hope you’re doing well, and I apologize. Let me toast to you with the first drink.”

Tenley, without hesitation, picked up a glass of wine and drank it in one go.

Joycelyn was skeptical. Something about this seemed off.

so well, and I really hope you’re doing well too. The teacher’s at

Joycelyn gently back into her

down, planning to

to Joycelyn. You two were desk mates,

the seat next

was quite introverted. During the year they sat together, they barely

for her curiosity about his role

there was a striking difference: he wore a Rolex worth over

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Chapter 72

she bought a gift for Ellison at the store.

do you do now?” she asked casually.

clearly uneasy. He kept his eyes fixed on his wine glass, his posture stiff.

company do you work

say,” Liam replied, shaking his head

work, likely a person

attention back

was plenty of boasting and comparisons between the classmates.

chatting with everyone and seemed to be getting along well with

kept pouring drinks for Liam, with increasingly exaggerated

all felt a bit overwhelming to Joycelyn, so she got up to excuse herself, claiming she needed to use the restroom, hoping

Caroline, signaling for

understanding, whispered, “Don’t worry. I’ve already sent

was texting Ellison, she was stopped by Liam.

hurrying up behind her.

stopped and turned around, “What’s up?”

have something for you. I hope you don’t mind,” Liam said, looking nervous as he pulled a small box from his

your gift. It’s not appropriate. I’m married. If my husband knew I was accepting gifts from

before my exams? You bought me some cold medicine. If it weren’t for your kindness, I definitely would’ve failed,”