The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel Chapter 95

Jocelyn had once scrolled through the real estate listings online, where the price tags on the homes in Berry City were the stuff of fantasy for the average Joe.

As they pulled up to Harrison’s estate, it was immediately clear to Jocelyn that this family was either rolling in dough or descended from royalty. Each home in the neighborhood boasted its own private driveway, leading up to grand entrance ways fit for a king.

The garden was a sprawling green canvas, larger than a football field, complete with a swimming pool, a decorative rockery, and a quaint gazebo that looked like it was plucked straight out of a Victorian novel.

For the first time, Jocelyn truly felt the weight of the gap between the haves and the have-nots. It was as if an invisible yet impenetrable wall separated the bourgeoisie and the aristocracy.

The car came to a rest in the garage, and Jocelyn's eyes widened at the sight of several luxury cars parked alongside. Although their makes were not immediately recognizable to her, their sleek designs and imposing presence spoke volumes of their value.

She clutched the modest gift she had brought with a newfound sense of inadequacy.

"Don't be nervous," Harrison said, helping her with her things and closing the trunk with a comforting chuckle. "If anyone should be nervous, it's my mom."

Still holding her bouquet, Jocelyn asked inquisitively, "Why's that?"

"Because she's got a guest, not just any guest, but her favorite guest. Wouldn't that make her a bit nervous?" Harrison's voice was warm and inviting as they walked shoulder-to-shoulder toward the house.

Elise, the lady of the house, greeted them with an excitement that left little room for formality.

"Elise, this is for you. Harrison mentioned you're fond of sunflowers," Jocelyn said, presenting her bouquet.

Elise beamed, taking the flowers and grasping Jocelyn's hand to lead her inside without so much as a glance back at her son. "Jocelyn, darling, I thought I'd never see you again in this lifetime."

"How could that be?" Jocelyn felt her initial reservations melt away under Elise's warmth.

"I've heard from Harrison that you're here to study. A month, is it? You've already been here a week. How do you like it? If you fancy it, I can have Harrison's father arrange for you to work here. How about that?"

Overwhelmed by Elise's enthusiasm, Jocelyn could only express her surprise and gratitude.

The idea of teaching in Berry City was a dream for many educators, given its status as a prime city at the heart of the country. It was not a place one could simply move to on a whim.

"I haven't thought about it that way," Jocelyn admitted truthfully.

"Mom, dial it back a bit, will you? You're going to scare her off," Harrison finally intervened, placing the gifts on the table, "This is for you and Dad."

Elise handed the bouquet to the maid to find a vase and clung to Jocelyn's hand, insisting, "You shouldn't have brought anything."

"I wasn't sure if you'd like it," Jocelyn confessed, her worries surfacing once more.

"I love it," Elise declared without even looking at the gift.

To avoid seeming superficial, Elise eagerly opened the gift, revealing a red shawl with a simple yet elegant design.

Elise's eyes sparkled with joy as she exclaimed, "Just wait here one moment." She hurried upstairs with the shawl in tow, leaving Jocelyn puzzled and looking at Harrison for answers.

Harrison simply shook his head, just as clueless about his mother's sudden departure.

When Elise elegantly descended the staircase moments later, she had transformed. Donning a sleek black dress complemented by the shawl Jocelyn had given her, she exuded grace, sophistication, and an amiable demeanor.

"How does it look? It’s beautiful, isn’t it?" Elise twirled before them, seeking approval.

Jocelyn stood up next to Harrison, her eyes alight with admiration, and clapped her hands in genuine delight, "It's beautiful."

"You see, when I say I love it, I truly mean it," Elise said, her eyes soft and caring as she held onto Jocelyn's hand, confirming her sincere appreciation for the thoughtful gift.

Jocelyn finally understood Elise’s actions. She had changed into an outfit that matched the shawl to tell her how amazing her gift was.

At that moment, Jocelyn felt a deep sense of being cherished. She could sense that Elise’s fondness of her was not the slightest out of formality but from the bottom of her heart. Jocelyn was touched beyond words.

Knowing that Jocelyn had come to visit, Keegan Whitman, Harrison’s father, also returned early from his company to meet her.