Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules

Chapter 345

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As soon as Bellina spoke, Timothy nearly burst out laughing. Even the Spencer family brothers chuckled.

“Belle, I’ve given you everything I can. Stop expecting more,” Jerome spoke gently, trying to calm the situation.

But Bellina wasn’t having it. She straightened up, no longer slumped on the floor. Her delicate face was filled with defiance. “Jerome, am I not part of the Schultz family? This is my home too, the family that raised me. Don’t you see, if we get married, it’s a double blessing?”

?

“And, if you hadn’t messed up last night, I wouldn’t have lost my innocence. I’m not asking for a fortune, I just want what Joycelyn got. The Schultz family isn’t poor, after all.”

Her tone was self–righteous, and she displayed no hint of guilt or shame. It was only when she mentioned the last her voice shifted, tinged with grievance.

Jerome wanted to reason with her, but clearly, the situation had spiraled beyond his control. Guilt weighed heavily on his chest, leaving him speechless.

Hearing all this, the others finally reached a conclusion. Bellina was trying to take advantage of the situation.

“Did you really sleepwalk last night, or was this all part of your plan to get a hefty dowry and bridal gift?” Joycelyn walked into the room, holding her breakfast, and took a seat beside Timothy. She placed her bowl gently on the side table, her gaze focused intently on Bellina, showing no sympathy.

Bellina’s face flushed with anger. “How is this my fault? Jerome was drunk. I’m innocent!”

“Everyone was here last night. If you’d called out, they would’ve stopped it, but you both slept through until morning,” Joycelyn smiled, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“I was sleepwalking! I didn’t know anything until I woke up this morning!” Bellina continued to defend herself.

She glanced at Joycelyn, noticing the clear, steady gaze that seemed to see straight through her. Her heart skipped a beat. Lowering her head, she sobbed quietly, “You’re all bullying me. If you won’t give me what I want, I’ll just die. I won’t marry at ‘all!”

She tried to make her way to the kitchen to grab a knife.

Jerome quickly stood up and grabbed her.

Lily, equally distressed, rushed to calm Richard. “Richard, please, think about it. We raised her. She’s always been strong- willed, like Joycelyn. You knew that when you adopted her. We should figure this out without pushing her further.”

“Lily, we’re not forcing anything. This is about what needs to be done. Jerome wants to get married, and it’s a joyful

occasion.”

get involved, what will they think of

frantic tone.

caught the sharp edge in Joycelyn’s voice,

enigmatic eyes flicked over,

sheer force of his presence was suffocating, a quiet dominance that sent a

back, her neck tensing as if she could

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Chapter 345

man,‘ she said, forcing a steadier tone. “He said if marriage is what’s needed, then so be it. We’ll

didn’t take the

situation didn’t sit right.

really here for Jerome? Or for the sky–high bride price and dowry?

wouldn’t blink at the money–but giving it away

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liking the direction of the conversation, snapped back. “This is the Schultz family’s business. You’re married now.

cold. “We’ll get them married, and as for the dowry and bridal gift, we’ll set up a trust fund. They’ll

and yet you speak as though it’s something shameful,

it really so disgraceful?” Richard slammed his hand on the table

held back her words, realizing the situation, and decided it was better to focus on the outcome than continue to argue. Bellina, realizing the matter was decided, stopped protesting. “Jerome, when

nodded. “Whenever

a few days, then,” someone finally

Jerome nodded numbly, as if he were merely going through the

like that, the decision

was steeped in an oppressive silence, a storm cloud hanging over the dining room.

the meal was over, everyone quietly drifted outside to the garden, as if needing fresh air to clear the tension

the plain porridge in her bowl, her mind far from

to your taste?” Ellison sat beside her, watching the way her brows knit together.

this morning,” Joycelyn muttered, utterly

ever been an adopted daughter–someone she never had to concern herself

willing, that’s his

too, didn’t you?” Joycelyn

the Schultz family for twenty years; she knows your father and brothers better than anyone,” Ellison said, handing her