Joy''s words might have sounded yful, but they were anything but they were a subtle dig.


    She insinuated that Selena was nothing more than a trophy wife, depending on her husband for everything and clueless about the rest.


    This sly remark made Jason break out in a cold sweat.


    "Yes, yes, you''re absolutely right," he stuttered, trying to keep the peace.


    Even Holt found it hard to listen, his face growing serious. Yet, Selena remainedposed, her serene smile unwavering.


    Seeing Jason''s anxiety, Selena realized he was doing his best. Not wanting to add to his troubles, she spoke with deliberate calmness: "Jason, don''t worry about it. Since Ms. Joy is so keen to cooperate, let''s just stick to the normal procedures on our end."


    Jason was taken aback by Selena''sid-back attitude.


    He had expected to have to y peacemaker, thinking that if Selena got upset and decided to take legal action, it would cause him a lot of headaches.


    Talk about perspective!


    His respect for Selena soared, but s, the situation forced him to defer to Joy.


    Gratefully, he turned to Selena, "Thank you for your understanding, Ms. Smith. Let me propose a toast, with tea instead of wine."


    Jason stood up, raising his teacup. Selena stood too, and they clinked cups.


    Joy watched Selena closely.


    She hadn''t counted on Selena giving in so easily. From what she knew, Selena wasn''t one to back down without a fight.


    She had a stubborn streak, the kind to tackle problems head-on.


    What was she up to with this unexpected retreat?


    With the issue resolved, Jason didn''t want to hang around as the middleman any longer and found excuse to leave. Holt, ever the


    perceptive one, offered to shovel. nest


    out, leaving just Selena and Joy in


    the room.


    The rich aroma of the tea filled the air, soothing and calming.


    For a moment, neither spoke, the silence so deep you could hear a pin drop.


    Joy, however, had her own agenda. She hadn''te here to do business with Jason; her interference had a purpose. She was waiting for Selena to ask for her help so she could set her own terms.


    So she sat there, poised, waiting.


    Unexpectedly, Selena was even moreposed, leisurely sipping her tea, radiating tranquility.


    Clearly, Joy should be the one feeling anxious right now!


    Finally, Joy clenched her fists and broke the silence, "Selena, if you''re still


    interested in this project, I can offer you a way forward."


    "Oh?" Selena arched an eyebrow, "Go on, I''m listening."


    Joy tossed her morous curls, "Selena, why not have someone else handle this, or bring ine back to take charge? I''ll hand over the project, and then you... You''re doing well in Northtown, so why not stay there? There''s no need toe back to Newport."


    Selena responded slowly and deliberately.


    "So, you took my project because you''re afraid I''ll stay in Newport for it, worried I''ll disrupt your ns with Everett, or... are you scared that as long as I''m around, Everett won''t agree to marry you?"


    Her words hit Joy right where it hurt, making it hard for her to keep herposure.


    But she wouldn''t admit it, letting out a dismissiveugh, "Selena, don''t think too highly of yourself. Whether you''re here or not, Everett and I will move forward just fine. Do you really believe you still have any sway c him?"


    AQUAS


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!