The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 78

"On my way. About half an hour," Jocelyn said.

Liam retorted, "Jocelyn, if you stand me up, I'll never forgive you!"

"I wouldn't dare," Jocelyn replied.

Thirty minutes later, the car arrived at Aurelia, a restaurant as grand as a palace. Even with a reservation made days in advance, a table wasn't guaranteed. It was said the head chef's lineage once served the emperors themselves.

Just as she parked, her phone chimed with a notification. She opened it to see that ten thousand dollars had been deposited into her bank account. A moment later, a text from Marcus arrived, full of apology.

"Jo, take this money. When you're out, make sure you eat well and don't neglect yourself. It's my fault I can't give you more, but don't worry. Once the company is back on its feet, I'll make it up to you in a big way."

Jocelyn knew the real reason Marcus was short on cash had nothing to do with the company. It was because Diana now controlled the family finances, precisely to prevent him from helping Jocelyn.

Jocelyn didn't expose the lie.

[Dad, thank you. This is more than enough.]

Putting her phone away, Jocelyn gave Liam Bancroft's name to the hostess. The hostess warmly led her to the largest private room.

When the door opened, a dozen pairs of eyes turned to her in unison. Liam's voice boomed, full of teasing.

"Well, well, if it isn't the great Miss Evans, finally gracing us with her presence. Any later, and I would have had to come hunt you down myself."

Sarah ran over and took Jocelyn's hand.

"Come on, I saved you a spot."

She pulled Jocelyn over to the table. The seat was to Liam's left. When Jocelyn saw who was sitting to his right, she froze.

Julian Vance.

What was he doing here?

Liam's eyes twinkled as he made the introduction. "Julian Vance, my good friend."

Julian nodded at Jocelyn in greeting. Jocelyn returned the gesture, her gaze lingering on him for a few extra seconds. As if by unspoken agreement, neither of them revealed that they already knew each other. The less people who knew about what they were doing, the better.

Liam grinned, but before he could speak, Jocelyn said with a sigh, "I'm broke lately, so that's all I can give. Not a penny more. If you think it's too little, give it back."

Liam burst out laughing.

"I was just about to say, I told everyone else not to bring any gifts, not to spend any money. I just wanted to have a good time."

Jocelyn asked, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Liam replied, "I forgot."

"Like I'd believe that," Jocelyn thought.

Jocelyn held out her hand. "Give me the money back."

Liam quickly stuffed his phone in his pocket. "No take-backs on gifts. Besides, this is the first present you've ever given me. I definitely can't return it."

Jocelyn smiled but said nothing. She had planned to buy him a gift, but the day had been filled with so many upsetting events that she just hadn't been in the mood.