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?”

Joycelyn replied

you be so reckless?” Iris’s face

“Weren’t you desperate

glass “Better my choice than being sold like caule”

and suffer in silence, Looking

left

if you’re not his own blood.

watching her golden

Lyra’s words dripped venom, “Get divorced you can’t

Mon, Feb

Chapter 14

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

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smoothly. “Luckily, my wife atrepts me. I

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

could you- Iris began.

have money, but he treats me well, so

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

shameless about living

judge.” Joycelyn cut in. “At least he bought me something. When have you ever given my mother a gift?”

hair, fully embracing his kept man” role while the Mercers sputtered, outmaneuvered

I won’t take it–but pay the marriage gift to your mother, one hundred seventy thousand dollars. And we won’t give anything back in return,” Phineas

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

aristocratic bearing incongruous in the dingy

stumbled forward, shoved by

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

work, Joycelyn!” Phineas shouted as he followed them out. “Pay up, or we’ll make trouble!”

him

into the elevator, leaving the apament

they left, the Mercers‘ faces turned ugly with thwarted