Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 33

Chapter 33

“Mr. Grant, there’s a crowd outside. If you go out now to check on her, your relationship won’t stay hidden for long. William said, speaking calmly.

him, but he couldn’t ignore the reality of the situation. After all, the secret marriage had been Joycelyn’s

He didn’t stop h

request.

Ellison didn’t seem to care. He strode into the elevator, pressing the button for the first floor with determination. William quickly followed and stood behind him, maintaining a calm demeanor.

As the elevator descended, Ellison stood with his hands in his pockets, his expression as cold as ever. The sharp, handsome lines of his face were shadowed by an ominous air.

The tension around him seemed to pulse, as if it could shatter the elevator at any moment. William, stealing glances at him. kept his mouth shut, sensing that any word might make the situation worse.

Joycelyn, on the other hand, felt heavy–hearted. From the scandal about the roses this morning to the mess with her family just now, she knew the office would be buzzing with rumors about her before long.

Aurelia and Selene stayed by her side, offering words of comfort.

“Joycelyn, you handled that beautifully just now. I always thought your mom was a bit soft, but now I see–it’s not softness, it’s just ignorance. How could she hit her own daughter?” Aurelia said, clearly upset.

She had been around long enough to recognize the kind of person Joycelyn was. They’d worked together for two years, and in that time, Aurelia had seen Joycelyn’s diligence and integrity firsthand. She was hard–working and responsible.

As a person, she was kind, considerate, and loyal to her family. Despite being young and attractive, she’d never shown any desire to flaunt it. She’d always put her family first, even sacrificing personal luxuries.

To think that someone like Joycelyn–who had never even dated–was being slandered for having an affair with an older man. It made Aurelia furious.

Joycelyn, now processing the events, realized how brave she had been in standing up for herself for the first time. After all these years, she had finally fought back. Still, the aftermath was hard to shake.

“Your stepsister is obviously a schemer, a classic bitch type. She’s not someone you want to underestimate. Joycelyn, you should move out. You make enough money to support yourself, Selene encouraged.

“I’ve already moved out.” Joycelyn sighed softly, looking at the descending numbers in the elevator. Her eyes were swollen from crying.

“They tried to force me into an arranged marriage because the guy promised a huge sum of money. I didn’t like him, so I ended things with them,” Joycelyn added.

flicking by as the elevator went down, feeling a deep sense of loss. She had cut ties with them, no matter how much she tried to break free, they kept pulling her back in..

but

I do if they don’t stop?” The image of Mercer family’s hostile faces

in her stomach.

thought you were beautiful and obedient, so they wanted to sell

Chapter 33

let them manipulate you. As women, if we want

don’t let anyone drain you. Sometimes, family can be even more dangerous than strangers”

tone quiet. Just then, the elevator doors

was in a hurry to leave the elevator. Their eyes met,

concern, and for a brief second, Joycelyn thought she was imagining it. She instinctively lowered her head, letting her hair fall to cover the side of

the swollen half of her face, and the pain in his chest surged. His anger was palpable, but so was his tenderness.

him politely, her voice

momentarily stunned when they saw Ellison in the elevator. They quickly

nod, stepping back to

confused, thinking. Wasn’t the elevator coming down?

Ellison’s voice, calm yet

elevator.

of them, his gaze was fixed on Joycelyn,

softly, “I’m fine. I just worry it might cause some negative attention for

employees, Ellison said, his voice firm. T’ll get to the bottom

Selene exchanged a quick glance at each other

We’re so lucky to work for someone as powerful and charismatic as you,” Selene said enthusiastically, giving him a

wronged, take the afternoon off. I’m approving it,” Ellison added, his concern evident

I don’t need to rest,” Joycelyn quickly refused, not wanting

smile, trying to cheer her up.

even living at home anymore, right? Where are you staying? We should hang out this

“T… L.” She hesitated, trailing off as she nervously swallowed. Tm staying with a good friend for now. Maybe

wasn’t good at lying. After saying that, she

to look.

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Chapter 34

her a brief, subtle glance. When the elevator doors opened, he pressed the button to keep them open, his voice quiet yet firm. “We’ve arrived”