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 the hospital getting

then pushed Joycelyn gently back into her

resist and sat down, planning to slip away later.

next to Joycelyn. You

Liam into the

quite introverted. During the year they sat together, they barely exchanged a word, other than asking for

her curiosity about his role in Ruby’s team, Joycelyn

Liam still seemed quiet and reserved, his attire plain, there was a striking difference: he wore a Rolex worth over

1/3

Chapter 72

this watch before when she bought a

what do you do now?” she asked

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

Which company do you work for?”

really say,” Liam replied, shaking his head

work, likely a person who

her attention back to

was plenty of boasting and comparisons between the classmates. The women especially

trouble chatting with everyone and seemed to be

drinks for Liam, with

so she got up to excuse herself, claiming she needed to use the restroom, hoping

Caroline, signaling for

already sent

texting Ellison, she

Liam called, hurrying up

and turned around, “What’s

something for you. I hope you don’t mind,” Liam said, looking nervous

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

my exams? You bought me some cold medicine. If it weren’t