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

could you be so reckless?” Iris’s

“Weren’t you desperate

off?” Joycelyn’s wire turned to glass “Better my choice

forcing her to endure, give in, and suffer in silence, Looking

bombshell left the Mercers

“He raised you, even if you’re not his own blood. Getting married without negotiating

stemined from watching

divorced you can’t

Mon, Feb

Chapter 14

under Ellison’s measured gaze, looking away like a coward.

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Ellison said smoothly. “Luckily, my wife atrepts

exploded in outrage while Iris stared in disbelief at having such an unreasonable son–in–law. Her

you- Iris began.

he is, Joycelyn cut her off smoothly. “He may not have money, but he treats me well, so don’t worry.” She added with subtle bite,

just here for money anyway, she thought strategically. Better to

about living

can’t judge.” Joycelyn cut in. “At least he bought me

kept man” role while the Mercers

won’t take it–but pay the marriage gift to your mother, one hundred seventy

yesterday’s prospect. Perfect match.” Joycelyn stood, tugging

his aristocratic bearing incongruous in the dingy apartment.

really abandon your mother?” Iris stumbled forward, shoved by

your choice, Mom. Enjoy your new family Joycelyn marched out without looking

you work, Joycelyn!” Phineas shouted as he followed them out. “Pay up, or

glare froze him mid–step. “Try

quickly into the

the Mercers‘ faces turned ugly with thwarted