Chapter 91
Chapter 91
Principal Fletcher hadn’t specified who it was. But since he made a point of bringing the matter to her attention, Jocelyn couldn’t shake the feeling that it involved a certain someone.
She tried to push the thought out of her mind, heading over to her parents’ place for dinner, only to overhear her dad saying, “My boss has been swamped lately. I heard he’s looking to take over some company. Rumor has it that the owner of that company did a number on his girlfriend, so now he’s getting even”
Jocelyn’s forkful of green beans clattered onto the table.
Jocelyn, what’s wrong with you?” Daisy eyed her curiously. “You seem absent-minded.”
Jocelyn shook her head quickly, “Nothing”
That Mr. Martinez is quite the character for his age, quite the savvy businessman indeed, Daisy mused. “Being his girlfriend must be something Isn’t his girlfriend that actress?”
Calvin hissed through his teeth and shook his head, “It’s all a bit confusing now. People say Willow is his girlfriend, but ever since that incident, he hasn’t let her set foot in his company again.”
Then they’re probably not together anymore,” Daisy speculated with curiosity. “Maybe he’s got another girlfriend on the side? These rich folks, how many of them stay true to one?”
‘I don’t know,” Calvin replied, serving Daisy some more food. “Mr. Martinez is young and successful, not to mention handsome. He’s
bound to have a lot of admirers.”
Daisy nodded, “Yeah, rich and handsome men are often players.”
Calvin disagreed, “Not all men are like that.”
“Still, that Mr. Martinez doesn’t strike me as the faithful type,” Daisy continued. “If he were to be our son-in-law, I’d be worried he wouldn’t
stay put
“Wishful thinking” Calvin chuckled “Folks from those circles are bound to look for a match within their own social standing. Let me tell you, the wealthier they are, the pickier they get. Our family, well… we don’t make the cut.” Exclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.
Listening to her parents casual conversation, Jocelyn couldn’t help but feel that their words painted a stark reality of her own situation
with Melvin.
Once home, she did a bit of digging on Vance’s Corporation and, sure enough, found news about the takeover and reports of Vance’s bribery, tax evasion, and subsequent investigations.
It’s clear that Vance was headed for a downfall.
Though there was a process to it, the outcome was bound to be grim.
Leaning against her bed, laptop open before her, Jocelyn thought back to Melvin’s words about not giving her another chance.
If that was the case why bother with all these?
She wasn’t about to thank him.
It’s Friday.
As soon as Jocelyn’s class was over, she left immediately. Making her way from the teaching building to the administration block, she caught sight of Principal Fletcher and some school leaders touring the campus with Melvin and his entourage, including Yara and Zephyr.
She shot them a glance before steering clear, intent on ignoring the whole scene.
“Jocelyn, Principal Fletcher suddenly called after her
Halting in her tracks, her heart tightened. She had no choice but to turn around and face them. Nodding politely, she greeted, “HL”
She didn’t even let her peripheral vision drift towards Melvin.
Jocelyn, join us for lunch, will you? We’ll be in the cafeteria. Mr. Martinez wants to try the school dining. Principa! Fletcher invited warmly
The refusal was on the tip of her tongue, but with all eyes on her, declining would be a faux pas.
Sure. Til just stop by my office first and join you later.”
“Alight
Jocelyn turned and left. But her steps were neavier than usual, feeling like walking through quicksand.
les ponner had she stepped into her office than Ursula breezed in behind her:
“Jocelyn, I saw him!” Ursula leaned over her desk, her voice hushed but tinged with excitement.
Jocelyn calmly tidied her desk, “Yeah.”
‘Did he donate the academic building because of you?” Ursula was all gossip.
‘No, Jocelyn replied firmly. “People like him weigh every penny they spend. Besides, he and I really have nothing to do with each other
anymore.”
Ursula seemed to accept her seriousness, “So, it’s really over?”
“It’s over.”
Ursuls sighed, a hint of pity in her voice. “You two looked like a match made in heaven. Even if one’s as gentle as a stream and the other as cold as ice, you still complemented each other perfectly
Jocelyn offered a faint smile, “Appearances can be deceiving. Like an apple that looks great on the outside but has a rotten core.”
“Whatever, Ursula shrugged, patting her shoulder. The old has to go before the new can come. Besides, that Harrison guy isn’t bad, I think you two might hit it off.
Checking the clock, Jocelyn stood up. It was time to head to the cafeteria.
“I’ve got my hands full with the senior class this year. I’ll focus on teaching and let everything else fall into place naturally. Off to the cafeteria, then
“Right. Ursula nodded, tilting her head thoughtfully. “Wait, let’s go together.”
In the small cafeteria, about a dozen people were seated at two long tables pushed together, each with their own tray of food.
Jocelyn took a seat on the edge, poking at her rice and only half-listening to the chatter.
Melvin’s visit was a genuine inspection, offering high praise for the school’s facilities, sports grounds, and equipment. He recognized the school’s contribution to sending students into top high schools each year.
The school’s direct admission rates were also among the highest in its league.
While the education authority valued such institutions, the competition across all sectors had intensified in recent years. The school expenses had soared, which made finances a constant concern.
Many schools were expanding through donations- teaching buildings, libraries, sports facilities, and so on.
Education was certainly a priority, with students being the nation’s future and vital for its development.
Yet, significant donations like Melvin’s were not common in the business world, where cost and return were always calculated in the first place. After all, how many of them were willing to invest without the prospect of a return?
“This year, Jocelyns taking the senior class, Principal Fletcher mentioned out of the blue, “I remember her first year here, when she was also in charge of the seniors. Her class had the most students accepted into the city’s top high schools.”
Jocelyn, caught off-guard, humbly responded. “It wasn’t just me. The credit goes to all the teachers, as well as those who laid the groundwork before. Without them, I couldn’t have done it alone.”
‘Jocelyn is truly impressive for her age, Zephyr chimed in with a smile in Jocelyn’s direction.
With a forced grin, Jocelyn said, “You flatter me.”
Throughout the meal, Melvin hadn’t exchanged a single word with Jocelyn, nor had he glanced her way.
After lunch, Jocelyn excused herself, saying she needed to check the student dormitories, and took her leave early.
The students had an hour for a nap after noon, and after her dorm inspection, Jocelyn saw Melvin standing under the large tree out front. His white shirt was neatly tucked into the waistband of his black dress pants. His figure was tall and slender, with a slicked-back hairdo.
Aloof, solitary and proud, he was like a painting just standing there.
As if he was abandoned by the whole world, or perhaps as if he had never deigned to regard the world at all.
Their eyes met in an upward glance, locking in a silent exchange.