?Chapter 856:


    Joyce refused to let this slide. She wouldn’t allow it.


    She lounged stiffly on the sofa, while Doug eagerly pawed at her. She fixed her gaze on the ceiling, narrowing her eyes slightly.


    “Darling,” Joyce cooed, her voice dripping with sweetness, “I have a friend’s birthday tomorrow. Will you join me?”


    Joyce knew Doug rarely denied her when it came to bedroom requests. Just as she expected, Doug nodded, trapped between desire and her teasing charm.


    The next morning, before they headed out, Joyce wrapped her arms around Doug’s neck and grinned. “Bring some of those pills.”


    Doug, usually uninterested in such social events, suddenly seemed intrigued. Joyce smirked. “The ce today is super exclusive. I heard the elevator has mirrors everywhere. Baby, I want to test it out.”


    Doug quickly dug into the drawer, pulling out two packs and shoving them into his pocket. Joyce chuckled softly and nudged his hand back into the drawer.


    This time, Doug pulled out five packs.


    Doug protested, “These work wonders, but too many can put serious strain on my heart!”


    Joyce leaned in close, whispering, “Baby, I want to do something wild with you.” Dougughed, eyeing Joyce as she licked her lips. “I love how bold you are!”


    Doug took Joyce’s hand and led her outside.


    As they got into the car, Doug turned to Joyce. “Is Daniing today?”


    Joyce shook her head. “Not sure. Probably not. Dani never cares for these kinds of gatherings.”


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    Doug’s expression darkened at her response. Between Joyce and Dani, he’d much rather indulge in a wild elevator rendezvous with thetter. The mere thought of sleeping with Dani felt like an unattainable fantasy that had somehow be real.


    Just before stepping out of the car, Doug’s face hardened. “Don’t forget what I told you. I’m dead serious. I poured a fortune into Alexander’s surgery. If you fail to get Dani into my bed, you can kiss your title as my wife goodbye. You’ve got two days.”


    Joyce bowed her head slightly, a flicker of cold malice shing in her eyes. “Alright, I got it.”


    Joyce hadn’t anticipated Dani’s arrival, let alone with Cedric. A wave of unease washed over her. Dani’s presence could throw her entire n off course.


    Yet, Dani remained seated, nibbling on the fruit Cedric offered, appearing as if she were merely there for the celebration.


    “Joyce, you’re rted to Dani. Do you have any idea why she decided to attend my birthday party?” The birthday girl beamed with excitement. “I barely know Dani, but I took a chance and sent an invitation. I never thought she’d actuallye, let alone bring Cedric! This is a story I’ll be bragging about forever!”


    Joyce, disinterested, cast a nce towards the entrance. “Maybe Dani got bored of baby preparations,” she muttered, sounding distracted.


    The girl let out an excited giggle. “Guess what? Dani’s birthday gift to me is a custom Elite Lux brooch! It’s worth over half a million dors online! I can’t wait to show it off—everyone’s going to be so jealous!” Joyce barely reacted, uninterested.


    “Joyce, what’s got your attention?” the girl inquired.


    “No one special, just waiting on someone,” Joyce answered smoothly.


    Joyce’s stiff expression didn’t ease until a poised figure stepped inside, allowing a faint hint of relief to cross her face. She turned away, satisfied, only to lock eyes with Dani, who sat quietly in the corner, nibbling on a small cake with a faint, knowing smile.


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