Chapter 323

Chapter 323

The aroma of the sizzling barbecue tantalized Leanne’s appetite, her stomach rumbling

after a hectic day.

Jeremy slid the menu across the table as Leanne focused on making her selections. Suddenly, Selina pinched her arm sharply.

“Quick, look over there!” she whispered.

Leanne hissed in pain and followed Selina’s gaze towards the entrance-

Joy and Austin walked in, hand in hand.

Selina went into a dramatic frenzy, clutching her head and yelled. “Oh my God, help!”

Leanne chuckled, “Why do you help because she’s dating?”

“I’m just so excited! Seeing her holding hands with a guy is like watching Black Widow fall in love with Voldemort!”

What a comparison.

Joy, feeling a bit embarrassed as if she had touched a peach, tried to act cool and sat down. “What are you talking about? I saw your freak-out as soon as I walked in.”

Selina stuttered, “I didn’t…”

Leanne couldn’t resist teasing, “She called you Voldemort.”

“What did you say?” Joy glared fiercely.

“Just a figure of speech,” Selina quickly backpedaled. “You know I’m good with words, expressing my shock through metaphor, nothing personal.”

Joy, unusually merciful today, decided to let it slide. “I’ll spare your life this time.”

She then introduced Austin, who was exceptionally polite and even brought small gifts for the girls.

Impressed with Austin’s manners on this first meeting, Selina’s eyes sparkled, “So, who’s paying for this meal?”

“I will,” Austin chimed in smoothly. “I’ve been meaning to treat you girls.”

Joy slammed her hand on the table.

Selina jumped, “Really? You’re upset he’s offering to buy us barbecue?”

“You dolt,” Joy retorted. “If I knew he was paying, we could’ve hit up joint.”

that

super pricey

Selina’s disappointment turned into admiration. “We really are the most important to you.”

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Chapter 323

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Leanne interjected. “Food is what’s most important to her.”

Joy giggled, “You know me too well.”

Despite being in a new relationship, Joy was keen on maintaining a refined image. She discreetly texted the girls under the table:

[Today, I’m going for the demure look. Please, no trouble, especially no weird topics, okay?]

Selina understood immediately. [No worries, we’ll guard your ladylike demeanor.]

Leanne calmly replied, [Relax, if you don’t bring it up, no one will.]

Joy’s behavior was indeed more reserved than usual, and the gentlemen at the table were quite attentive, making the barbecue dinner exceptionally pleasant.

However, Selina was eager to gossip about how Joy and Austin got together, while Joy was curious about Leanne’s updates. They agreed to meet later at Golden Grove Manors for an all-night chat.

Leanne protested weakly, “I have work tomorrow.”

“What’s so important about work,” Joy, now high on the vibe of the meal, blurted out

without a filter, “Work on me.”

Leanne was speechless.

Jeremy cleared his throat as Selina pretended to look away in mock sympathy.

Joy, realizing what she just said, paused in the sudden silence.

Austin joked, “Am I being a bit of a third wheel here?”

After a moment of silence, Joy gave up the pretense, rolled up her sleeves, and reach into the pot for some food. “Forget it, I’m too tired to pretend.”

Selina sighed in relief, “I’m tired for you.”

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