Chapter 20

“I have no relation to Mr. Grant,” Joycelyn denied Linda’s insinuation. She saw through Linda’s strategy immediately; Linda had no grounds, and her threat was merely a feint before offering a supposed concession. “And this project is your responsibility,” she said firmly.

“Then I’ll be blunt. You look like Mr. Grant’s first love. It wouldn't be surprising if he were sleeping with you for that reason,” Linda said, searching for a picture of Ellison at their university graduation.

Ellison, in his early twenties, already possessed a chiseled face and an aura of calm reserve. Even then, he stood out. The girl beside him in the photograph smiled sweetly, her head tilted toward him. As Linda said, she did resemble Joycelyn, but Joycelyn only glanced at the picture before looking away.

Her attention was fixed on Ellison. His handsomeness and allure were unsurprising, given the countless women who adored him. She knew their relationship was a mutually beneficial arrangement of convenience; she harbored no illusions of love. That kind of relationship wasn't realistically portrayed in movies for a reason.

Linda, assuming Joycelyn was merely posturing, continued her taunts. “Don’t think you’re indispensable. This project is vital. If you don't secure a deal with the investors, our bonuses will vanish. Can you bear that responsibility?”

Joycelyn suppressed her frustration, retorting, “If the project fails, the blame rests with management, not ordinary employees like us.”

The smug look vanished from Linda’s face, replaced by a harsh tone. “Then prepare for you and your ‘little group’ to be fired. The company doesn't need deadweight. I’m not playing games.”

Joycelyn scowled, realizing Linda was using her friends to pressure her.

“Two choices: accompany me to meet the investors or leave this company,” Linda threatened.

Joycelyn clenched her fists. Reluctant as she was, her team would be implicated, and she wouldn't let that happen. Their bonuses would be lost, and they might even lose their jobs.

“For the sake of the company, I’ll go,” Joycelyn said through gritted teeth.

“Good. Now leave,” Linda smirked.

Once Joycelyn left, Linda retrieved the graduation photo. Even a socialite who’d pursued Ellison for seven years had failed, so she was confident he wouldn’t be interested in Joycelyn. This comforted her. She then contacted the joint venture companies, promising them that the “most beautiful woman in Grant Group” would attend their dinner that night.

Joycelyn walked out, dazed, the image of Ellison with the smiling woman lingering in her mind. Selene and Aurelia, noticing her distraction, approached with concern. Selene asked, “Are you alright? Did she give you a hard time?”

Joycelyn shook her head.

Aurelia led Joycelyn to her desk. “Joycelyn, you’re not to blame. If she tries to make you the scapegoat, go to Mr. Grant. He’s reasonable.”

“I’m fine. I just need to think this through,” Joycelyn replied with a soft laugh, trying to remain composed.

Aurelia empathized. “Yes, of course. Find new partners. With Grant Group’s reputation, it shouldn’t be difficult. The problem is Linda. She’s headstrong and competitive, wanting to outshine other departments and submit a lower budget. Plus, they’re university alumni, so her pride is involved.”

“I’m accompanying her to meet the investors tonight,” Joycelyn explained.

Aurelia, as Joycelyn’s team leader, volunteered. “I’ll come too. These events involve drinking and socializing.”

“That would be great,” Joycelyn said, relieved. Aurelia’s presence would ease her anxieties. She turned on her computer, taking a determined breath. “Let’s get to work.”

Near noon, her phone buzzed with messages from Ellison. He asked about lunch and if she wanted to join him.

Joycelyn replied: [I’m having lunch with coworkers.]

She then received a friend request: [It’s Ellison, add me.] A subsequent message read: [If the other number is inconvenient, use this one.]

Joycelyn replied with an “okay” and returned to work, ignoring her phone. From her perspective, the company president worked constantly; she wouldn't distract him.

After a busy morning, Joycelyn grabbed coffee. Leaving the pantry, she saw Ellison heading for the elevator. He wore a sharp, tailor-made black suit. The memory of buttoning his jacket that morning flashed back.

Ellison saw her; his piercing eyes softened. They exchanged a silent moment.

Her coworkers greeted him; Ellison nodded, but his eyes remained on Joycelyn.

Linda, having heard the greetings, rushed out with a document. “Mr. Grant, you didn’t need to come down. I was about to bring the documents up.”

Ellison looked away from Joycelyn as Linda appeared. Joycelyn averted her gaze, staring at her coffee as she returned to her desk.

“Mr. Grant, this is the report I’ve worked on for nights. Please review it,” Linda explained, displaying an unexpected elegance in Ellison's presence.

Ellison took the document, replying curtly, “Okay.”

Linda tried to prolong the conversation. “If you need anything, just let me know. You don’t have to come here,” she said loudly, smugly.

“I pressed the wrong elevator button,” Ellison replied.

Linda’s smile froze. Ellison turned and entered the elevator, then sent a message: [Are you still mad about this morning?]

Joycelyn saw the notification but didn't open it. She knew Linda’s document delivery was a performance, to both flaunt her relationship with Ellison and confirm there was no communication between him and Joycelyn. Linda’s assurance was palpable.

Meanwhile, Phineas, Lucian, and Lyra arrived downstairs, preparing to cause a scene. Iris followed, urging them to remain calm and avoid escalating the situation.

Phineas retorted, “The point is to create a scene. We need to publicly shame her.” They approached the reception desk, intending to demand Joycelyn’s location.

Before they could speak, security officers intercepted them. “Are you Phineas and Lucian?”

The brothers exchanged puzzled looks. “What’s it to you?” Phineas asked.

An officer showed a photo. “You’re implicated in a pornography case. Please come with us.” He gestured for the officers to handcuff them.

Phineas and Lucian were shocked; they had no idea how they’d been exposed.

Chapter 21