Ellison And Joycelyn A Love Beyond The Rules novel Chapter 31

Joycelyn wasn’t in the best mood that morning, so she focused on work to distract herself. 

Aurelia went to HR and returned with a new work badge, grinning and keeping her head down as she tried not to laugh. 

“Congratulations to our Aurelia, now promoted to Director!” Selene teased, making a playful face. 

It was only then that Joycelyn noticed Aurelia had come back from HR. “Congrats on the promotion, Aurelia! From now on, it’ll be ‘Director Finch Joycelyn clapped and cheered. 

“Thanks to everyone’s support,” Aurelia replied with a smile. “And I owe it to Joycelyn’s good luck. How about I treat everyone to lunch? My treat!” The office burst into cheers at her offer. 

“Sorry, I have plans, Anna Davidson, Linda’s assistant, said coolly, rejecting the invitation. 

Their small team had split into two factions. 

One group, led by Anna, mostly supported Linda and made up the majority of their department. They were constantly flattering Linda, hoping to take advantage of her connection with Ellison for career opportunities. 

The other group, led by Aurelia, Joycelyn, and Selene, was a no–nonsense team who didn’t play office politics and preferred. to focus on getting their work done. 

“Alright, I won’t keep everyone waiting. Joycelyn, Selene, let’s go!” Aurelia said. 

“Sure,” Joycelyn immediately agreed. 

Selene, equally excited, whispered something in Aurelia’s ear. 

Aurelia nodded. ‘Sounds good. I’ll make a reservation. We’ll go to that star-rated restaurant next door. We get a discount with our work badges,” she said with a mischievous grin. 

“Always thinking of us hardworking employees, our amazing Director Finch!” Selene complimented, lost in her thoughts. “Hey, do you think Mr. Grant doesn’t have any scandals because he’s into men? With his body and that powerful aura, he’s definitely got that emperor vibe,” Selene suddenly blurted out. 

Joycelyn, who had been drinking water, immediately choked and started coughing violently. Her soft, pale face turned bright red from the coughing fit. 

“Joycelyn, are you okay? That was some serious coughing.” Aurelia asked. 

“I’m fine, just choked on air,” Joycelyn said quickly, waving her hand to signal she was okay. 

“Take it easy, you’re getting all worked up.” 

“I’m not worked up. Joycelyn muttered, wiping her mouth with a tissue, trying to avoid Selene’s cheeky gaze. 

Selene put on a sly grin. 

Joycelyn narrowed her eyes. “You’re definitely up to something.” 

“Me? I’m just an innocent, pure girl,” Selene said with a playful wink 

In the restaurant, the group started by raising their glasses to Aurelia, toasting her promotion. After that, they chatted for at 

little while. 

During the conversation, it was mostly Selene and Aurelia who were talking excitedly, with Selene treating Ronny like an old friend. She wasn’t shy about venting her frustrations with Linda, almost as if she were enjoying a sense of triumph 

“Ronny, you can’t tell anyone about this, okay? I still need to work under her,” Selene whispered conspiratorially. 

“Don’t worry. I haven’t heard a thing.” Ronny replied with a smile, playing the role of waiter. 

He would occasionally join in the conversation, but mostly focused on cutting the steaks. With a fork in one hand and a knife in the other, his movements were precise and graceful. 

“Director Finch, here’s your sirloin steak. Be careful, it’s hot,” Ronny said. 

“Thanks, Mr. Downs. You’re so thoughtful!” Aurelia took the plate with both hands, clearly appreciative. 

“I can do it myself, Joycelyn said, not used to being fussed over like that. She politely declined when Ronny tried to take her steak away. 

“It’s really no trouble, the steak is too hot. You don’t want to burn yourself,” Ronny insisted. 

“It’s fine, he just loves cutting steak for people. This pasta is really good too. You should try it,” Selene said, pointing to a small dish of pasta. 

Joycelyn couldn’t argue with Selene, so she reluctantly put down her knife and fork. “Thanks, Mr. Downs.” 

“It’s nothing,” Ronny replied with a gentle smile. 

Joycelyn glanced over at Aurelia’s plate, where the steak had been sliced with absolute precision–each cut neat and perfec It was clear that Ronny wasn’t just careful, he was also a bit of a perfectionist. 

Ronny’s movements were elegant. He started from the left side of the steak, cutting from the outside in. He fixed the steak with his fork, then sliced off a perfect bite–sized piece with his knife. Every cut was so precise it looked almost artistic.