Ellison’s grip on his pen tightened as he stared at William, his expression hardening. The mention of Joycelyn being out with a young man stirred something inside him—something he couldn’t quite place. He had been focused on his work all morning, yet the news unsettled him more than he expected.
“Who is this young man?” Ellison asked, his voice sharp.
“I don’t know, Mr. Grant. The man is described as being tall, well-dressed—possibly someone from her circle of friends,” William replied, offering a brief, hesitant glance.
Ellison leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he processed the information. It was one thing to know Joycelyn was independent and had her own life outside the office, but the idea of her with someone new—someone he didn’t know—hit harder than he expected. His thoughts raced. Why should it matter to me?
He stood abruptly, pacing toward the window. His mind wandered to the past few days: the rumors, the roses, the office gossip. He tried to push aside his growing curiosity, but it wasn’t easy.
“Continue observing the situation. Let me know if anything changes,” Ellison instructed, his tone cool but with a slight edge of something darker beneath it.
“Yes, Mr. Grant,” William responded, bowing slightly before retreating.
Back at the restaurant, Joycelyn had settled into an awkward yet somewhat pleasant rhythm. She wasn’t sure what to make of Ronny yet, but she appreciated his calm demeanor. As the meal went on, the conversation between the three of them flowed smoothly, though Selene’s teasing was constant, her eyes twinkling with unspoken amusement.
“So, Ronny,” Selene said after a few moments, her gaze flickering between him and Joycelyn, “how long have you been with the company?”
Ronny smiled softly, adjusting his posture. “I’ve been with the company for about three years now. I mainly focus on creative direction and strategy. Art and design, but also a bit of the overall branding,” he explained, his voice steady.
“That sounds like a lot of pressure,” Joycelyn said, leaning slightly forward, intrigued.
“It’s definitely challenging, but I enjoy it. Keeps me on my toes,” Ronny replied with a slight chuckle, glancing at Joycelyn. “And what about you, Joycelyn? How are you finding your role?”
Joycelyn hesitated for a moment, thinking. “It’s been a busy few months, but rewarding. I’ve been learning a lot, especially since the promotion stuff started… and, you know, all the office drama.” She laughed lightly, trying to downplay the tension from earlier in the week.
Selene jumped in before Ronny could respond. “Drama? I’m pretty sure Joycelyn’s just trying to make sure she doesn’t get caught in anything too messy. She’s smart like that.”
Joycelyn shot Selene a look, but it was more affectionate than annoyed. “I’m just doing my job,” she replied with a grin.
“I can see that,” Ronny said, his smile warm and genuine. “You strike me as someone who doesn’t let things get to her.”
Joycelyn met his gaze for a moment, feeling a faint flush creeping up her neck. It was a simple compliment, but there was something in the way Ronny spoke that felt… more than just friendly.
The food arrived soon after, and the three of them dug in, the mood lightening with each bite. However, Joycelyn couldn’t shake the odd feeling that had settled in her stomach. There was something about the way Ronny looked at her—like he was more interested in her than a casual colleague should be.
At the same time, she felt a pang of guilt. Why does it matter? He’s just a colleague, and I’ve got enough going on without adding more distractions.
As the meal continued, Ellison’s presence loomed over her thoughts, uninvited. She could almost feel his eyes on her, even though he was miles away.
“I’m just overthinking,” she muttered under her breath.
“What’s that?” Selene asked, leaning in with curiosity.
“Nothing,” Joycelyn said quickly, forcing a smile. “I’m just being silly.”
Selene raised an eyebrow, but decided not to press the matter further. Instead, she grabbed a roll from the basket and continued chatting with Ronny, who seemed to be enjoying their company.
Back at the office, Ellison paced back and forth in his office, his mind racing. He had to admit, the thought of Joycelyn with another man was harder to swallow than he expected. He barely knew this Ronny—just a name and a few snippets from the office grapevine. But the situation had his mind spinning. Why do I care?
He found himself glaring at his phone screen, as though the simple device could offer him an answer. The idea of Joycelyn with someone else unsettled him, but he refused to acknowledge why.
It was in this moment of uncertainty that he decided to take action.
“William,” Ellison called out, his voice still low but with the sharpness of someone who had made a decision.
William immediately appeared in the doorway. “Yes, Mr. Grant?”
“Find out more about this Ronny Downs. I want to know who he is and what his relationship with Joycelyn is. Make sure it’s thorough,” Ellison ordered, his tone brokering no argument.
William hesitated for a moment but nodded. “Understood, Mr. Grant.”
Ellison turned away, his mind now set on unraveling this new thread. The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he was determined to get to the bottom of it—whatever it took.
Joycelyn had no idea what kind of storm was brewing just beyond her awareness.
