BOOKSDRAMA Chapter 346
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Joycelyn couldn’t be bothered to engage with Bellina, who was clearly acting out of spite. As soon as Bellina saw that Joycelyn
wasn’t going to respond, she took it as a victory, her heart swelling with smugness.
But just as she was feeling triumphant, she caught Ellison’s cold, piercing stare from across the room. His eyes were like
daggers, unwavering and sharp.
She hutted to herself, poured a glass of hot milk, and rushed upstairs.
Joycelyn, however, was more convinced than ever–Bellina had clearly manipulated Jerome into this mess.
“It’s already done, there’s no point confronting her now. Your father’s soft–hearted, but fortunately, the Schultz family is managed
by Timothy. They won’t be able to make a scene,” Ellison’s voice broke through her thoughts, soft and reassuring.
“You’ve only just returned, and she’s been here for twenty years. She knows the Schultz family better than you,” he added,
watching her carefully.
Joycelyn’s chest tightened with unease. The pieces of the puzzle were starting to fall into place.
“So, who was behind all of this? It feels like someone planned it all meticulously...” Joycelyn’s eyes welled with tears, her mind
spinning with old, unanswered questions.
All the grievances she had ignored over the years didn’t matter much, but when she thought of her mother–who had passed
away so young because of the trauma of losing her–her heart clenched.
“Let’s go back this afternoon. We’re not getting involved in Jerome’s wedding,” Ellison said softly as he noticed the redness in
Joycelyn’s eyes. He moved closer to comfort her.
“It’s not just that. It’s because my mother passed away from depression because of me,” she admitted, her voice catching. “And
then there was my grandfather and grandmother. Even though I can’t remember them clearly, Timothy told me how much they
loved me. The way they poured all their affection into me–it’s heartbreaking to think about.”
The weight on her chest grew heavier with each word. She could hardly breathe.
“No. I can’t leave yet. I need to stay and see what else they’re going to pull,” Joycelyn said with determination, taking a deep
breath. Her face, pale as it was, became a mask of cold resolve.
“Mrs. Grant, you’re still pregnant,” Ellison said, his eyes calm but firm as he looked at her. “Timothy and I will handle this. You
don’t need to worry about it.”
With that resolve firm in her heart, she turned and hurried outside to the garden. She had to get answers.
As she stepped outside, she saw Edward stumbling downstairs, clearly still groggy from sleep.
“Hey, how much did you and Jerome drink last night?” Joycelyn asked quickly, catching his arm as he passed by.
“We drank a few bottles of wine. I don’t know what happened, but I only just woke up,” Edward mumbled, loc disheveled, his
handsome face bearing the signs of a restless night. Si’s hair was like a bird’s nest, and his han full of fatigue.
“How could a few bottles of wine have led to all of that?”
..e face was
“I don’t know, man. After Jerome went for the brandy, I think he mixed his drinks. Could’ve messed with his head,” Edward said,
still trying to piece it together.
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“What happened? You all look so... off,” he noticed the tension in the room.
“Last night, Jerome and Bellina ended up in bed together Joycelyn said, her voice fat.
“What?!” Edward jumped, clearly horrified, his eyes wide. “What? We were drinking win, not that to jumped by Sear
He immediately checked his clothes, relieved to find that he was alone in his bed when he woke up
“Wait, I remember now,” Edward said, thinking back, “Jerome went to get the brandy and ran into Bellion for prickly de something
to him, right? That’s messed up, isn’t it?” Si felt a chill run down his spine and hos hair wood const
2
His voice shook as he realized how eerie the whole situation was. “Where’s the boule? What Kind of docked at yo Timothy
asked, his voice calm but probing.
Edward looked around and frowned, “I didn’t clean up last night. The bottle’s still out there in the garden ve
“Don’t bother looking,” Jerome’s voice came from behind them. He walked into the room, his expression estable. He had the
demeanor of someone who had lost all energy,
“I’ll take responsibility for this. There’s no need to discuss it further, Jerome said firmly, his eyes locked with everyte, unwilling to
meet their gaze for too long.
“Jerome, this is clearly suspicious. What are the chances this is just a coincidence?” Joycelyn asked her tone w by potted “I’ve
known Belle since she was little. I know how she is–she’s insecure, and that’s why this happened Il te ce of be There’s no need
Joycelyn was left speechless, unsure of how to respond.
“Timothy, Dad wants to speak with you upstairs,” Jerome said, turning on his heel and walking away.
The room was filled with silence, and everyone looked around uneasily. Jeff sighed. “Jerome has always spoiled Belima. He’s
too softhearted. Let’s just leave it at that.”
“A marriage is a big deal. Jerome’s rushing into this decision. I’m afraid he’ll regret it,” Joycelyn said with a deep sigh “Forget it.
Let’s just talk about something else. Timothy, you should go talk to Dad. Shirley and I will wait here,” she added. walking over to
Shirley, who was sitting nearby.
“Shirley, how did it go with looking into my mom’s medical records?” Joycelyn asked quietly.
“Your mother’s diagnoses and prescriptions match her condition. I asked Jeff about it last night, and your grandparents were very
attentive when your mom was ill. They brought in the best doctors, so there shouldn’t have been any mistakes, Shirley replied
gently, trying to reassure Joycelyn.
“Maybe I’m just overthinking it,” Joycelyn murmured, deciding to let it go for now.
“Don’t dwell on the past. Life is unpredictable. Let’s focus on the present, okay? Let’s take a walk this afternoon. It’ll make you
feel better.”
“And in a few days, it’ll be your birthday. We’ll visit Grandma and all celebrate together,” Shirley added, hop spirits.
lift her
“Yeah, I miss her too,” Joycelyn smiled a little.
With the mention of her grandmother, Joycelyn felt some of the weight lift from her chest.
The morning passed quickly. Most of the family members were upstairs, discussing the situation with Jerome and Bellina.
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Chapter 346
By noon, they gathered for lunch. Jeff needed to catch a flight but stayed behind to see if they contit came as some resolution.
The long round dining table was filled with a variety of dishes, all elegantly arranged on the rating glass traile
Joycelyn sat beside Ellison and Shirley, who was suggesting which dishes the should try.
Before Bellina and Jerome came downstairs, the mood at the table was quite pleasant. But as soon as they appeared [of cleared
his throat, and the atmosphere turned serious.
“How’s the discussion going?” Jeff asked in a low voice.
‘Belle wants to set the wedding date on Valentine’s Day, Lily replied gently
“Valentine’s Day? Isn’t that Joycelyn’s birthday?” Jeff quickly realized, his face falling
Joycelyn’s brow furrowed, and she didn’t hide her displeasure.
“So, she’s really trying to rub it in, setting the wedding date on my birthday, Joycelyn thought bittery