?Chapter 28:


    “Ms. Harper, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Joshua Dennis from Dennis Electronics. We met briefly at an international g. It’s a genuine pleasure to see you again. My father intended to be here, but unfortunately, his car broke down. I’ve taken the liberty of arranging a dinner. I’d be honored if you joined us.”


    Joyce remained rooted to the spot, her face etched with disbelief. She gazed at Joshua—typically so haughty and domineering—yet now, he stood before them, subdued and hardly able to meet Dani’s gaze. Her incredulity quickly morphed into a sharp, derisiveugh. Clutching Joshua’s arm, she gestured wildly towards Dani.


    “Are you freaking insane, Joshua? Did I hear you right? You’re telling me that Dani—of all people—is the CEO of Elite Lux?”


    Spinning towards her livestream camera, Joyce couldn’t contain her amusement, and herughter boomed, echoing in the air. Tugging at Alexander’s sleeve, she amplified her tone for dramatic effect.


    “Alexander, did you hear that? He’s iming Dani is the CEO of Elite Lux! Can you believe that? It’s the grandest joke I’ve heard in years!”


    Joyce burst into uncontrobleughter, her body shaking as she nearly folded over from the sheer hrity.


    Alexander extended a hand to steady her.


    Joyce faced the camera and eximed, “Guys, if Dani’s really the CEO of Elite Lux, I’ll eat a fresh pile of crap for dessert.”


    Joshua stood to the side, his jaw dropping. Inviting Joyce had been his call, but now unease crept in, the thought of upsetting Dani making his heart race.


    Lаt??t chɑpt?rs ?n g??lnοv?ls.??ο??


    With a storm in his stride, Joshua marched up to Joyce and delivered a stinging p across her face.


    “Have you lost your mind?”


    Theughter vanished from Joyce’s face, reced by a stunned silence. She touched her swelling cheek, staring at Joshua in utter disbelief.


    “Why did you hit me?”


    With a fiery re and a low growl, Joshua spat, “What the hell is wrong with you? She’s the freaking CEO of Elite Lux, and you’re sitting here spouting nonsense about eating crap? Where is your sense of decorum? I told you to bring a gift, not insults. Where’s the gift?”


    His gaze flickered towards the two boxes Alexander clutched in his hands.


    Joyce pointed to the less expensive of the two, priced at eight thousand dors.


    “That one.”


    Without hesitation, Joshua yanked the box, gripped Joyce’s arm, and went straight for Dani.


    With a strained smile stered on his face, he began, “Ms. Harper, please ept my apologies for the disruption. This is my friend, Joyce Holt. We crossed paths overseas a few years back.” He tapped his temple lightly, his expression wary as he continued, “She’s a bit out of sorts today. Nevertheless, she’s one of your ardent admirers and even brought a present for you.”


    As he lifted the lid of the box, an eight-thousand-dor golf club was revealed.


    With one nce at the contents, Joshua’s expression grew grim. He shot a quick, piercing look at Joyce, then at Alexander.


    Dani, on the other hand, let out a chuckle as she picked up the golf club.


    “An admirer, you say? This club…”


    She nced at the price tag, a wry smile creeping across her features.


    .


    .


    .