Chapter 93
Joycelyn left the conference room, her mind still clouded with anger. Aurelia and Selene followed her, offering comforting words to help ease her frustration. Slowly, Joycelyn began to calm down.
“Joycelyn, don’t let it bother you,” Aurelia said, patting the back of Joycelyn’s hand. “It’s not worth it. No need to get worked up over someone who insults you.”
“Comparing that shameless person to a cow is really insulting to cows,” Selene quipped, her words bringing a mix of amusement and annoyance to Aurelia.
“The wicked will be dealt with by the wicked,” Selene continued, trying to comfort Joycelyn as though she were a child. “She deserves to be dealt with severely. You’re the only beautiful one. Don’t be mad.”
Joycelyn couldn’t help but laugh at the duo’s antics; they seemed like a comedic pair.
Just then, a voice called out from behind her. “Joycelyn, wait a second!”
She turned around and saw Liam approaching them.
“Isn’t this the amazing genius researcher?” Aurelia remarked. “I heard Ruby’s team ranks her first, and him second.”
“He’s my high school classmate,” Joycelyn explained, glancing at Liam, who appeared humble and reserved. “Didn’t the meeting end already? Is there something else?”
Liam awkwardly scratched his head and said, “Can I treat you guys to a meal? Just consider it a casual gathering, if that’s okay?”
Despite his unease, Liam seemed eager to spend time with them.
Joycelyn, who had just been publicly humiliated, wasn’t in the mood to socialize. She politely refused, “I’m sorry, but my husband is waiting for me. I still have work to finish.”
Liam’s expression changed subtly at the mention of her “husband,” and he appeared even more downcast. “Alright. Maybe next time, then.”
“Okay. Bye,” Joycelyn said, offering him a polite smile before walking toward Aurelia’s car.
Liam stood still, watching the car drive away with a reluctant gaze, his thoughts clouded.
Selene, still teasing, added, “That Mr. Nolan seems like a refined, nerdy guy. Impressive, but he seems to have a soft spot for you.”
She smirked before continuing, “Well, you’re loved by everyone, not just by guys. I absolutely adore you, too.”
Selene nuzzled against Joycelyn’s chest playfully.
Joycelyn smiled at the affection. She gently moved Selene’s face away and said, “He used to be the top student in our school. We didn’t interact much back then, but now I find him quite… stubborn.”
Joycelyn thought back to how she had casually given Liam some medicine earlier. He had mistaken it for a personal gesture, thinking she cared for him. The realization made her feel that Liam, like Ruby, had a similar obsessive streak. Yet, Liam didn’t cause trouble, so Joycelyn decided it was best to avoid further interaction with him, focusing only on work.
Along the way, Selene continued chatting, doing her best to cheer Joycelyn up. By the time they returned to the company, Joycelyn had mostly shaken off the incident.
As soon as she sat back at her desk, her phone rang. It was Isolde.
Joycelyn picked up the call, listening patiently as Isolde spoke about feeling bored in the hospital and wanting to stay at home for two nights.
“Sure, Isolde,” she replied. “It’s not inconvenient at all.”
After the call ended, Joycelyn chuckled to herself and walked to the end of the corridor. There, she quickly asked Luna to prepare the house. Meanwhile, Leah sat peeling an orange and asked, “Isolde, how’s it going?”
“It’s pretty good,” Isolde said, though she didn’t seem entirely sure. “Actually, I’m not worried about them marrying for my sake. I just want to spend some time with my granddaughter-in-law.”
Leah handed her a piece of the orange, continuing casually, “Yeah. Elders often care about the big life events, but they also worry that kids might fake a marriage just to please them.”
Isolde paused for a moment before continuing, “I heard Mr. and Mrs. Grant got married quickly. It seems like the way young people do things these days.”
Leah spoke offhandedly, though her words carried a deeper implication.
Isolde, who hadn’t thought much about it, was now somewhat worried.
Leah took advantage of this moment, persuading Isolde to return home and stay for a few days.
“Isolde, you’ll be home soon,” Leah said, soothing her. “I’ll massage your legs. As long as you stay away from the cold, you should be fine.”
“Alright,” Isolde agreed, asking Leah to massage her kneecaps, which she did in slow, circular motions.
Meanwhile, Joycelyn, having hung up the phone, quickly texted Ellison. She informed him that Isolde would be home today for a short stay and asked if he planned to work overtime.
Once she received his reply, Joycelyn browsed recipes online, deciding to prepare some dishes suitable for elderly guests. It was the first official meal at home with Isolde, and she wanted to make sure it was perfect. This time, she didn’t want to rely on the chef. She wanted to cook herself.
Once work ended, Joycelyn quickly headed home to start preparing the meal, pushing the day’s events out of her mind. Cooking became a way for her to unwind, and it gave her a sense of fulfillment, especially when the people she cared about appreciated her efforts.
Ellison arrived home just over ten minutes later. As soon as he entered, he saw Joycelyn in the kitchen, her hair tied in a bun, focused on preparing the meal. Rocky sat quietly nearby, keeping her company.
Joycelyn spoke to Rocky every now and then, the quiet scene peaceful and warm.
Ellison’s eyes softened as he watched her, a gleam in his gaze.
“What’s for dinner tonight?” he asked, his deep voice breaking the silence. “Do you need my help?”
Joycelyn turned around to see him taking off his suit jacket. Slowly, he rolled up his sleeves and moved toward the kitchen, the sight of him looking calm and effortlessly attractive.
She thought, No wonder they say one should find someone handsome when looking for a partner. Just looking at his face makes me feel good.
“Isolde will be home a little later, so there’s no rush,” Joycelyn said gently. “I can handle it myself.”
Ellison walked up to her, now beside her. He took the vegetable she had been about to wash from her hands and said, “I’ll wash them.”
Joycelyn was momentarily stunned. Standing so close to him, their arms touched. His deep, sculpted features were mesmerizing. She found herself staring at him, unable to look away.
“Good-looking, huh?” Ellison said with a tilt of his head, his eyes locking onto hers.
Joycelyn felt a blush rising in her cheeks and quickly looked down. She nodded, avoiding his gaze.
“You had that same look in your eyes the first time you saw me,” Ellison remarked, his voice low but teasing.
Joycelyn felt a little embarrassed, her thoughts flashing to when she had once boldly pounced on him. Now, just stealing glances made her feel shy.
“Wash the vegetables properly,” she said, laughing softly as she turned back to the task at hand.
Just then, she remembered something. “By the way, where is the key to my room upstairs? I need to lock it. If Isolde sees us sleeping in separate rooms, she might start overthinking things.”
Before Ellison could respond, a multipurpose vehicle slowly pulled up to the villa.
As the car came to a stop, William helped Isolde out of the vehicle and placed her gently into a wheelchair.
Leah’s soft voice floated over. “Dr. Mason is here too?”
Joycelyn glanced at Ellison, her curiosity piqued.
“Grandma didn’t mention it,” Ellison replied.
“I heard her voice,” Joycelyn said, blinking in confusion.
Ellison turned off the faucet and wiped his hands. He then walked toward the door with Joycelyn, as they went to greet the guests.
Leah followed Isolde’s wheelchair as they entered the house together.
“My dear granddaughter-in-law, I felt a little discomfort in my legs when I left earlier,” Isolde explained sheepishly. “So I brought Dr. Mason along. I’ll just have a meal and then head back.”
Leah, ever the comforter, reassured her, “Isolde, this is your home. You’re not causing any trouble. I’ll stay by your side and take care of you. Mr. and Mrs. Grant will definitely want you to stay and spend time together as a family.”
Leah’s words, gentle yet persuasive, made Isolde feel as though staying was the best option.
Joycelyn, observing the conversation, couldn’t help but notice that Leah seemed more determined for Isolde to stay than Isolde herself.
