Chapter 22

Fred glanced at his father and replied to Octavia, "Let's not bother him. He must be busy."

Octavia hummed, observing the group at the entrance, then Tommy's car. It was worth close to a hundred thousand dollars. Their family's finances far exceeded her own, so she wasn't surprised Joycelyn was interested in him.

She suggested, "How about having dinner with your father later?"

"Sure, I'll ask him later," Fred readily agreed, accommodating Octavia's every whim.

"You're so good to me," Octavia cooed, kissing him. Fred smiled so widely his eyes narrowed.

Though only twenty-five, a life of comfort had made him pudgy. He wasn't handsome, but his wealthy family made him tolerable to Octavia. At the very least, he was young. She pitied Joycelyn, who seemed only capable of attracting older, unattractive men. Comparing father and son, Octavia felt she'd made the better catch, greatly soothing her vanity.

Soon, the three women and their associates entered a private dining room. Linda greeted the directors, inviting them to be seated. She'd strategically placed Joycelyn next to Tommy. "Joycelyn, you and Mr. Cross seem to have hit it off well. Do have a good chat with him about our project," Linda said, her warm smile belying a commanding tone.

"Sure," Joycelyn replied, ready to discuss business.

Tommy sat, appraising Joycelyn with narrowed eyes. Though modestly dressed, he'd seen enough women to recognize her ravishing beauty in her smooth, porcelain skin.

"Your name is Joycelyn, right? Anyone can see you're inexperienced at this game. We haven't even had drinks yet, and you're already talking business," Tommy chided, reaching for her hand.

Joycelyn quickly withdrew her hand. "You're right, Mr. Cross. How rude of me."

"No worries. I'm in a generous mood. Let's see you down a couple of shots first to apologize," Tommy said, feigning magnanimity.

"I drove, so I can't drink. A soda, if you please," Joycelyn explained. Aurelia promptly arrived with a soda. Looking at Tommy, she said, "Mr. Cross, I've heard you've been interested in working with the Grant Group. It's obvious you have a good business instinct. Joycelyn chose your company for a joint venture. This isn't just fate, but the result of Joycelyn's hard work."

Standing between them with the soda, Aurelia praised Tommy's success. He beamed with pride. The other directors nodded and smiled in agreement.

Joycelyn sipped her soda as servers brought various dishes. Linda, noticing Joycelyn's lack of social engagement, whispered, "Can't you tell Mr. Cross is interested? Take some initiative; you can renegotiate the project. Plus, he's an eligible bachelor worth millions. Don't waste this opportunity." She refilled Joycelyn's soda, secretly adding vodka. Knowing Joycelyn wasn't a strong drinker, she hoped to secure the deal this way.

"Aurelia, tell the kitchen to serve the seafood specials. They're taking too long," Linda instructed, creating a distraction.

Aurelia turned to Joycelyn. "I'll get the kitchen to hurry. Let's finish this and go home."

Joycelyn nodded.

After Aurelia left, Linda included Joycelyn in a toast with the directors. Joycelyn raised her glass. Everyone was in high spirits.

As Joycelyn brought the glass to her lips, she detected a strong smell of alcohol.

"Drink up. Don't ruin everyone's mood," Linda hissed.

Joycelyn reluctantly drank half. The smell was bad, but the taste was worse. Her throat and stomach burned.

She coughed, excusing herself to the restroom, taking her phone. She knew Linda had set her up. As she walked, her legs felt weak. The ground seemed to sway beneath her.

She barely reached the restroom when someone grabbed her. Thinking it was Aurelia, she was surprised to see Octavia. "What are you doing here, Octavia?" she asked defensively.

"Joycelyn, you're drunk," Octavia said, feigning concern. Her eyes darted toward the dining room entrance. She'd been waiting for this opportunity. She'd seen Joycelyn stumble out, followed by Tommy.

"Oh, Mr. Cross, are you looking for my sister?" Octavia called sweetly.

Joycelyn fought her dizziness, frowning. "Let go of me," she said sternly, trying to break free.

Tommy approached, not recognizing Octavia. Ignoring Joycelyn, Octavia pushed her into Tommy's arms. "Mr. Cross, my sister had too much to drink. She was waiting for you."

"And you are?" Tommy asked.

"I'm Fred's girlfriend. I've seen you on the news! It's an honor to meet you," Octavia gushed.

Tommy was completely taken in.

As Joycelyn neared Tommy, her resistance kicked in. She preferred falling to the floor rather than into his arms. She wouldn't let him touch her.

She bit her tongue to stay alert, immediately calling Ellison.