Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

47%2

“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.

so reckless?” Iris’s face paled.

“Weren’t you desperate

wire turned to glass

they ever did was manipulate her with guilt, forcing her to endure, give in, and suffer in silence, Looking back now, she could see how her blind devotion to filial duty

bombshell left the Mercers

sacred!” Octavia recovered first. “He raised you, even if you’re not his

fury stemined from watching her golden

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 a

9.47%2

said smoothly. “Luckily, my wife atrepts

Iris stared in

how could you- Iris

treats me well, so

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

so damn shameless about living off a woman Phineas

“At least he bought me something. When have you ever given

Joycelyn’s disheveled hair, fully embracing his kept man” role while the Mercers sputtered, outmaneuvered on

pay the marriage gift to your mother, one hundred seventy thousand dollars. And we won’t give anything back in

Try selling your own daughter to yesterday’s prospect. Perfect match.” Joycelyn stood, tugging

with innate grace, his aristocratic bearing incongruous in the

Iris stumbled

your choice, Mom. Enjoy your new family

where you work, Joycelyn!” Phineas shouted as he followed them

froze him mid–step. “Try it.”

Ellison quickly into the elevator, leaving the

they left, the Mercers‘ faces