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.

her, smiling as she said, “Oh, it’s just an old class reunion. We’re all doing so well, and I really hope you’re doing well too. The teacher’s at the hospital getting his blood

Joycelyn gently back into her

resist and sat down, planning to slip away later.

to Joycelyn. You

the seat next to

at her former desk mate, Joycelyn remembered that he was quite introverted. During the year they sat together,

about his role

reserved, his attire plain, there was a striking difference: he wore a Rolex worth over 150 thousand dollars, clearly a

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Chapter 72

seen this watch before when she bought

do now?” she

replied, clearly uneasy. He kept his eyes

company do you work for?” Joycelyn

really say,” Liam replied, shaking his head as he

his work, likely a person who preferred to keep to

attention back to

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

had no trouble chatting with

pouring drinks for Liam, with increasingly exaggerated compliments.

to excuse herself, claiming she needed to

signaling for

I’ve already sent

she was stopped by Liam.

hurrying up

stopped and turned

Liam said,

I’m married. If my husband knew I was accepting gifts from

a thank–you gift. Do you remember when I had a fever before my exams? You bought me some cold medicine.