Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

We can start now. Mr. Grant, happy birthday and congratulations on your marriage, Leon raised his glass in a toast to Ellison.

At the Rolex store, Carmelo had just stepped out of his car and hurried into the VIP lounge, where Ruby was already waiting

for him.

When she saw him, her previously displeased expression immediately softened into a sweet smile. “Carmelo,” she greeted.

Carmelo, whose face usually wore a cold, brooding look, couldn’t help but show a genuine smile when he saw Ruby. He walked over quickly and asked, “Ruby, what’s going on? Why did you call me?”

Ruby immediately pulled him down to sit with her, holding his arm.

“I just saw a watch that would be perfect for you,” she said, taking out the watch she had just snatched from Joycelyn and carefully placing it on Carmelo’s wrist.

“Isn’t it beautiful? I picked it out just for you,” Ruby said, keeping her grip on Carmelo’s arm in a very intimate manner.

Carmelo, already fond of her, felt touched seeing the watch on his wrist

“I really like it. Thank you,” he said, his gaze full of restrained affection.

“You pick whatever you like. I’ll pay,” Carmelo said gently.

As a member of the prestigious Jones family, Carmelo was not lacking in wealth

Ruby, of course, knew his feelings for her but never made their relationship obvious, preferring instead to keep things subtle and use him to her advantage.

“I’ve prepared a birthday gift for Ellison. Can you give it to him on my behalf?” Ruby asked, her eyes sparkling as she picke up a small gift bag.

Carmelo’s smile immediately faded when he heard this.

Ruby gently shook his arm and whined, “Carmelo, please.”

Her sweet, coaxing voice left him with no resistance. “Fine. I’ll pass it along for you.”

“Thank you! Make sure you tell him it’s from you, and make sure he wears it tomorrow, Ruby said, wrapping her arm around his as she smiled sweetly.

Carmelo grunted quietly in response, “Okay.”

At the restaurant, Carmelo arrived about ten minutes late. He placed the gift Ruby asked him to deliver next to Ellison and said, “Ellison, happy birthday. This watch really suits you. Be sure to wear it tomorrow.”

Carmelo’s voice was calm and cold, with a hint of a smile that only made him seem distant.

the trouble,” Ellison replied in a low

a toast, Leon

1/8

51

Chapter 45

a long time since they’d all been together, so the atmosphere of the dinner was

William brought the gifts from his friends down to the living room

who was a little tipsy.

back

you drunk?” Joycelyn asked, walking over with a glass

“Mr. Grant had a few drinks with friends today. He might be a little tipsy. Thank you

you want me to help

Ellison’s body clock was usually set for a 9:30

not drunk,” Ellison opened his eyes,

the alcohol, was low and magnetic, a stark contrast to his usual authoritative tone, now laced with a lazy, carefree edge. It was hard to

left after giving them a few simple

She sat down next to him and handed

into his, his voice low

feeling his warm hand envelop hers. The heat from his hand made her feel a bit flustered, and she could feel sweat starting to form in her palm from the

Ellison’s gaze was intense as

deepened with meaning, and even just locking eyes with him for a moment made her heart

and she nodded. ‘Mm, drinking isn’t good for your health.”

released her hand and closed

Joycelyn unsure of what to

dismissive?” she asked.

True concern is gentle, Ellison’s voice was deep and rich, and it sent a strange tightness

know how to

“You’re just going through the motions.”

froze, her clear eyes filled with confusion.

if

2/3

51%

Chapter 45

these gifts from your friends?” she quickly changed

and expensive. There were bottles of

caught her eye–it was from Rolex, and it looked familiar.

seen today at the store, the one that the