Tessa’s statement left Joy Chaucer utterly bewildered, as if she had just awoken from a dream, unable to distinguish reality from illusion.


    Tessa appeared unharmed and in no way seemed like someone who had been drugged. Naturally, she dared not admit anything; acknowledging being drugged would ruin her reputation regardless of her actual doings with any man. If she admitted it, the public would erupt in spection and gossip.N?velDrama.Org owns all content.


    The internal discord with her sister Sloane would also be a subject of ridicule, and now, due to a series of unfortunate misunderstandings, Joy Chaucer had be a victim, only potentially implicating the Granger family in the scandal. The only way to avoid disaster for the Granger family was if Tessa testified, turning the whole incident into nothing more than a secretive meeting between Quin Aubrey and Joy Chaucer.


    “It’s impossible, absolutely not,” Joy Chaucer protested, pointing at Tessa’s clothes. “You changed your outfit; you must have been with a man earlier-I heard it myself, your sister Sloane was nning to drug you.”


    Tessa exined calmly, “I changed because my gown got dirty. I was in room 308, and Mrs. Sterling was with me the whole time; there was no man. Joy Chaucer, stop making up stories. My sister and I are on good terms; nothing like what you suggest ever happened.” Tessa’s words made Sloane feel guilty and inferior, and she silently lowered her head.


    In that moment, Meredith emerged from room 308, her presence alone proving Tessa’s honesty. The crowd could clearly see the truth and would not believe Joy Chaucer’s usations. It seemed that Joy Chaucer was just trying to drag the Granger sisters down with her.


    “Joy Chaucer, just admit you were meeting with Quin Aubrey, but why drag the Granger sisters into your mess?” one bystandermented. “Doing such things at someone’s birthday party is shameful enough, and then to lose your mind after being caught is truly disgraceful.”


    “Miss Chaucer’s behavior is really something else,” another added.


    Now, Joy Chaucer found herself unable to defend her ims, with no evidence to support her story. Her affair with Quin Aubrey was now clear as day. Frustrated and embarrassed, she regretteding to witness the drama, only to be its center. She couldn’t fathom where she went wrong, certain she heard Sloane instruct a servant to drug Tessa, yet nothing had happened.


    In desperation, Joy Chaucer turned to Quin Aubrey, “Tell me, why did youe to this room? Were you looking for Tessa?”


    Attempting onest struggle, Joy Chaucer failed to grasp the true nature of the situation. Even if she proved her entry was a mistake, it wouldn’t change what had already transpired. Quin Aubrey would never admit he was there for Tessa, as doing so would offend both the Granger and Chaucer families.


    Quin Aubrey, with a rogue smile, wrapped his arm around Joy Chaucer’s waist, pacifying her, “Come on, don’t be mad. I’ll be gentler next time.” He obviously couldn’t let others believe he had assaulted Joy Chaucer and had actually wanted Tessa Granger, so he pretended the affection was mutual, the only way to salvage his own situation.


    Once Quin Aubrey spoke, everyone understood the two were indeed a couple. Joy Chaucer was stunned, her emotions running high: “Quin Aubrey, what nonsense are you-”


    Before she could finish, Quin Aubrey silenced her with a kiss, shocking everyone into silence. Was this a live broadcast of a drama? Quin Aubrey, notorious for his flirtations, truly lived up to his reputation.


    After the kiss, Quin Aubrey quickly picked up Joy Chaucer before she could react and addressed Mr. Granger, “Mr. Granger, apologies, but we must be leaving.” He swiftly carried Joy Chaucer away, the crowd parting for them instinctively.


    As Joy Chaucer regained her senses and struggled, Quin Aubrey whispered fiercely, “If you want to ruin both of our lives and make a spectacle, go ahead. Do you think I wanted this? I had no idea it was you. Just chalk it up to bad luck today; I certainly am.”


    Despite his yful reputation, Quin Aubrey had never intended to involve Joy Chaucer, a woman known for her ruthless nature-certainly not someone to be trifled with.