Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

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“Well, well,” Phineas scoffed. “Turning down a man with a house and six–figure engagement gift for this pretty boy? You’ve lost your mind, Joycelyn.”

Despite Ellison’s commanding presence, Phineas had convinced himself he faced just another nobody. His fear morphed into contempt.

“Watch out, Joycelyn. Men like him always turn abusive, Octavia chimed in, twisting the knife.

Ellison’s arctic stare pierced Octavia’s facade, making her stumble back.

Ellison wiped his hand fastidiously after touching Cedric, then stroked Joycelyn’s hair with surprising gentleness. “It’s okay. I’m here now. Where does it hurt?”

Joycelyn pressed against him like a lifeline, voice cracking. Just bruises. But they took my phone and purse.”

“Return them.” Ellison addressed the group before him, his tone brooking no argument.

Cedric practically threw the items at them.

“Listen here, boy, Phineas’s bluster had dimmed but hadn’t died Marriage to her comes with a steep price tag engagement gift plus raising expenses, totaling 240 thousand doars. Got that kind of cash?”

“Fine, I’ll sell everything I own.” Ellison passed Joycelyn her purse with theatrical gravity.

The Mercers‘ eyes gleamed with greed while Joycelyn clutched Ellison’s shirt, silently begging him to stop.

“Though that’s an interesting demand,” Ellison said smoothly, since my wife’s birth father passed away years ago. If anyone deserves such a generous sum, it would be him–not the stepfather who’s trying to sell her off

Their faces darkened as his mockery registered. Only Joycelyn relaxed, recognizing his game.

Ellison seated Joycelyn carefully before taking his own chair, legs crossed elegantly as he surveyed the wolves in their den

“You’re married?” Iris’s shock colored her voice, “When?”

replied calmly.

you be so reckless?” Iris’s face paled.

“Weren’t you desperate

me off?” Joycelyn’s wire turned to glass “Better my choice than being sold like caule”

endure, give in, and suffer in silence, Looking back now, she could see how her blind devotion to filial duty had been nothing but foolish self–sacrifice.

left the Mercers

first. “He raised you, even if you’re not his own blood. Getting married without negotiating marriage gift–how desperate are

watching her golden payday

No car?” Lyra’s words dripped venom, “Get divorced you can’t pay up–we won’t be cheated!” But she

Mon, Feb 10

Chapter 14

under Ellison’s measured gaze, looking away like

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said smoothly. “Luckily, my wife atrepts me.

a bomb. The Mercers exploded in outrage while Iris stared in disbelief at having such

you- Iris

money, but he treats me well, so don’t worry.” She added with subtle bite, “Besides,

money anyway, she thought strategically. Better to let Ellison fight fire with

about living off a woman Phineas

Joycelyn cut in. “At least he bought me something. When have you ever given my

man”

your mother, one hundred seventy thousand dollars. And we

Perfect match.” Joycelyn stood, tugging Ellison’s hand. “We’re done here. Let’s

grace, his aristocratic bearing incongruous in the dingy

stumbled forward, shoved by her

Enjoy your new family Joycelyn

Joycelyn!” Phineas shouted as he followed them

froze him

pulled Ellison quickly into the elevator, leaving the apament

left, the Mercers‘ faces turned ugly