Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Leanne strode back into the fray, her arms outstretched to separate the tussled Joy and Selina.

“Are you still naughty kids?” she asked with an exasperated sigh.

Joy snorted and ran her fingers through her hair, “Had I not taken pity on her condition, I would’ve sent her flying with a single slap at just thirty percent effort.”

Selina huffed back, “How arrogant! Just wait till my leg heals up, and I’ll show you moves that made me queen bee at school.”

the

“You know,” Joy said with a sideways glance at Leanne’s slender arms, “Despite her limp, she’s got the fight of three of you in her.”

“Talk is cheap,” Leanne retorted, her pride intact. “It’s not that I can’t take you down, it’s just that I’m not into playing dirty.”

Before Joy could respond, Selina let out a mocking laugh.

“You? Fight her? She could squash you just by sitting on you.”

Leanne and Joy were at a loss for words and both felt slightly insulted.

Leanne gave Joy a nudge, “Let’s get out of here.”

“Are you leaving?” Selina pouted, feigning sorrow, “Who’s going to keep me company?”

Leanne grabbed her coat, turning to say, “You should be back at the hospital. Send me a selfie from your ward by ten. If I don’t get it, I’ll have a word with your nurse.”

Selina was left speechless.

Joy, uninhibited and a touch reckless, had driven over and dared to drink.

She waved her hand dismissively, “No biggie, I’ve only had a sip or two.”

As she attempted to climb into her SUV, Leanne grabbed her collar and led her to the Bentley parked out front.

Curtis was lounging in the back seat, looking lost in thought and utterly bored.

“Let’s drop Joy off first,” Leanne suggested.

tis shot her a languid glance, “Yes, madam.

Leanne rolled her eyes at his sarcasm and gave Jake, the driver, Joy’s address.

Joy, fidgeting in the passenger seat, asked Jake, “Sir, how’s the Bentley ride? Is it smooth?”

Jake, caught off guard by the contrast between demure Leanne and her boisterous friend,

Chapter 59

replied. “Ah, it’s a pretty decent experience.”

Joy, itching for a turn, said, “Let me have a go sometime.”

Seeing Curtis’ reflection in the rearview mirror, Jake squirmed uncomfortably, “Uh, Ms. Campbell, this is Mr. Curtis’ car.”

Joy playfully suggested, “Just sneak me the keys when he’s out of town.”

Jake was at a loss for words.

Leanne was speechless too.

Could

you at least not suggest a grand theft auto in front of Curtis?

From the back, Curtis’ cool voice cut in, “I’m not deaf. Perhaps you need a megaphone for your little scheme.”

Joy, who typically avoided Curtis with his air of nonchalant aristocracy and intimidating aura, felt emboldened by her frustration, “You’re not deaf, but you are blind.”

Leanne cautioned, “Joy, that’s enough.”

Curtis’ indifferent gaze swept past, “If you weren’t Leanne’s friend, with that lack of brains, you’d be long gone by now.”

His words, though delivered casually, sent a chill down Joy’s spine. Then, she instinctively.

recoiled.

Leanne, ever the loyal friend, turned to glare at Curtis, “Why are you insulting her?”

Curtis raised an eyebrow, “Wasn’t she the one who started it?”

Leanne defended, “Joy didn’t insult you.”

Curtis almost laughed, “Leanne, could your favoritism be any more obvious?”

“Heh,” Joy couldn’t resist gloating, “She’s got my back, eat your heart out!”

Whether it was for Leanne’s sake or because he couldn’t be bothered to argue with a fool, Curtis let it slide.

After dropping Joy off at her place, Curtis finally remarked to Leanne”

defend her.”

you would

Joy blew Leanne a kiss from outside. Although she couldn’t see it, Leanne still raised her

by her because she’s always stood by me,” Leanne said softly.

Without family, she and Joy had been each other’s lifelines for years.

Love was scarce in Leanne’s world, but Joy’s unwavering affection always placed her first, sharing in her joys and sorrows with complete solidarity.