Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1271

"Joyce."

Joyce was sitting by the window in the restaurant, having already finished her meal and now sipping a cup of coffee. Hearing her name, she looked up to see Galen grinning at her from outside the window.

"You're here!" she said, waving him over. "You must be starving. Come on, get something to eat."

"Yeah," Galen nodded. Instead of using the main entrance, he propped his arms on the windowsill and vaulted inside.

"Hey!" Joyce gasped, rushing to steady him. "Why did you come in like that? Be careful!"

"I'm fine," Galen laughed, shaking his head. "It's just a window."

"What do you want to eat? I'll go get it for you."

"I'm not picky, anything is fine."

"Okay."

Joyce turned and left. Galen had been held up giving instructions to the workers and supervising for a while, so he was running late.

"Everything's a little cold," Joyce murmured with a frown as she returned with a tray of food.

"It's no problem," Galen said, pulling her down to sit with him. "It's hot out anyway."

He dug in, starting with the toast.

"Don't just eat toast," Joyce said from across the table. "Have some of the porridge. It's really smooth and delicious."

"Then you feed me," Galen said, looking up with his mouth open. "Ah…"

Joyce stared at him for a second, then broke into a playful smile. "You're ridiculous."

Malvina saw the gesture and her voice rose to a shrill pitch. "Galen, I asked you a question! What are you doing?" She pointed a finger at Joyce. "And what is your relationship with her?"

"Mom," Galen said through gritted teeth, his brow furrowed. "Why are you shouting? And what's with that tone? It's not like I'm doing anything shameful." He glanced back at Joyce before declaring with clear conviction, "I'm pursuing Joyce."

"What? Pursuing her?" Malvina's face paled as her gaze fell on Joyce again, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Isn't she the one who came with Sherilyn?"

"Yes," Galen confirmed. "Joyce is Sherilyn's friend."

"Friend?" Malvina stared blankly for a moment, then her eyes lit up as if she'd uncovered a massive conspiracy. "Aha! So that's how it is!"

"Mom, what are you talking about?" Galen asked, completely bewildered.

"It's a honey trap!" Malvina cried, clutching her chest in anguish. "I knew it! How could my perfectly good son suddenly start siding with an outsider!" She pointed furiously at Joyce. "Sherilyn found this woman to seduce you! To wrap you around her little finger until you've forgotten all about your own parents and sister!"