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.

down, feeling a deep sense of loss. She had

but

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

a knot in her

obedient, so they wanted to sell you off

Chapter 33

women, if we want to stand on our own,

drain you. Sometimes, family can be even more dangerous than

Joycelyn nodded, her tone quiet.

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

with deep concern, and for a brief second, Joycelyn thought she was imagining it. She instinctively lowered

step out, paused when he saw her. His eyes immediately locked onto the swollen half of her face, and the pain in his chest

greeted him politely, her

Ellison in the elevator.

a brief nod, stepping back to allow them

Selene exchanged a glance, both confused, thinking. Wasn’t the elevator coming down? Why is Mr. Grant staying

alright? I heard there was some trouble outside.” Ellison’s voice, calm yet steady,

elevator.

on Joycelyn, who

worry it

its employees, Ellison said, his voice firm.

glance at

powerful and charismatic as you,” Selene

off. I’m approving it,” Ellison added, his concern

to rest,” Joycelyn quickly refused, not

Joycelyn, this is a special perk from Mr. Grant,” Selene insisted with a bright smile, trying to cheer her up. “You’ve had a tough time today.

out this weekend–go shopping or see a movie,” Selene continued,

off as she nervously swallowed. Tm staying with a good friend for now. Maybe we can plan something this

to talk much, and she wasn’t good at lying. After saying

to look.

11 Feb

Chapter 34

subtle glance. When the elevator doors opened, he pressed the