Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 72 After Joycelyn spoke , she noticed Tenleys 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 , theres no need to be too concerned with saving face .

Joycelyn , whats that supposed to mean ? Who are you disgusted with ? Tenleys voice immediately rose , full of anger .

Isnt that the case ? Lucy chimed in , unafraid of Tenleys fury .

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

Come on , everyone , were all old classmates here , lets keep things civil .

This is the teachers birthday party , after all .

Both of you beautiful ladies , please cool down .

Yes , lets 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 wont be coming today , hes feeling a bit under the weather .

My gifts already been delivered , so Ill 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 youre 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 .

She had intended to leave , but Caroline stopped her , smiling as she said , Oh , its just an old class reunion .

Were all doing so well , and I really hope youre doing well too .

The teachers at the hospital getting his blood pressure checked , so lets start eating .

Caroline then pushed Joycelyn gently back into her seat .

Joycelyn didnt resist and sat down , planning to slip away later .

Liam , sit next to Joycelyn .

You two were desk mates , right ? Caroline said , pulling Liam into the seat next to Joycelyn .

Looking at her former desk mate , Joycelyn remembered that he was quite introverted .

During the year they sat together , they barely exchanged a word , other than asking for homework and the occasional question .

If it wasnt for her curiosity about his role in Rubys team , Joycelyn wouldnt have come today .

Though Liam still seemed quiet and reserved , his attire plain , there was a striking difference : he wore a Rolex worth over 150 thousand dollars , clearly a sign of Rubys generous treatment .

1/3 Chapter 72 Joycelyn had seen this watch before when she bought a gift for Ellison at the store .

Liam , what do you do now ? she asked casually .

I … I do some tech development , Liam replied , clearly uneasy .

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

That sounds impressive .

Which company do you work for ? Joycelyn asked softly .

Sorry , I cant really say , Liam replied , shaking his head as he swallowed nervously .

Joycelyn figured he just didnt like to share details about his work , likely a person who preferred to keep to himself .

So , she didnt press further .

She turned her attention back to chatting with Lucy .

During the meal , there was plenty of boasting and comparisons between the classmates .

The women especially were showing off their wealth .

While Joycelyn ate quietly , Lucy , being a saleswoman , had no trouble chatting with everyone and seemed to be getting along well with the group .

The others kept pouring drinks for Liam , with increasingly exaggerated compliments .

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

Tenley immediately nudged Caroline , signaling for her to act .

Caroline , understanding , whispered , Dont worry .

Ive already sent the photos .

My people are waiting outside .

As Joycelyn was texting Ellison , she was stopped by Liam .

Joycelyn , wait , Liam called , hurrying up behind her .

She stopped and turned around , Whats up ? I have something for you .

I hope you dont mind , Liam said , looking nervous as he pulled a small box from his pocket .

Huh ? I cant accept your gift .

Its not appropriate .

Im married .

If my husband knew I was accepting gifts from other men , hed be upset , Joycelyn replied bluntly , refusing the offer .

This is a thank you gift .

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

If it werent for your kindness , I definitely wouldve failed , Liam explained , his voice urgent and regretful .

Joycelyn paused , thinking for a moment .

Oh , I remember now .

The fever medicine was in my backpack .

You really dont need to worry about it .

She spoke softly , just as the elevator arrived .

She was ready to leave .

At the end of the corridor , Ruby had stepped out of the private room to make a call and overheard the conversation .

Rubys eyes narrowed as she realized that the woman from the Rolex store , who had argued with her , was Joycelyn .

And the watch she had bought for Ellison was now on Liams wrist .

Ruby smirked coldly , as if she had uncovered a big secret .

2/3 1226 Thu , 13 FOD Chapter 72 Joycelyn stepped into the elevator and breathed a sigh of relief , Shed been on edge during the entire exchange .

Liam , that reclusive guy , seemed so stubborn .

It was just a fever medicine , but hed remembered it for so long .

* 79 % t What Joycelyn didnt know was that this small interaction had just spared her from a much bigger problem .

Carolines people , who had been waiting outside the elevator , were now looking at the photos on their phones .

When they saw Ruby standing at the end of the corridor , talking on the phone , they immediately recognized her .

Coincidentally , Rubys outfit today was very similar to Joycelyns .

That woman … lets go , one man , wearing a mask , said as he confirmed Ruby was their target .

The two of them quickly followed her .

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