Ellison And Joycelyn A Love Beyond The Rules novel Chapter 14

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?” 

Yesterday,” Joycelyn replied calmly. 

“How could you be so reckless?” Iris’s face paled. 

“Weren’t you desperate 

to many me off?” Joycelyn’s wire turned to glass “Better my choice than being sold like caule” 

All they ever did was manipulate her with guilt, forcing her to endure, give in, and suffer in silence, Looking back now, she could see how her blind devotion to filial duty had been nothing but foolish self–sacrifice. 

The marriage bombshell left the Mercers reeling. 

“Marriage is sacred!” Octavia recovered first. “He raised you, even if you’re not his own blood. Getting married without negotiating marriage gift–how desperate are you? 

Her fury stemined from watching her golden payday evaporate, 

No house? No car?” Lyra’s words dripped venom, “Get divorced you can’t pay up–we won’t be cheated!” But she soon 

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Chapter 14 

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

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“True, I own nothing.” Ellison said smoothly. “Luckily, my wife atrepts me. I bought her a car–what’s your contribution?” 

His words detonated like a bomb. The Mercers exploded in outrage while Iris stared in disbelief at having such an unreasonable son–in–law. Her face darkened considerably. 

Joycelyn, how could you- Iris began. 

“Mom, this is who he is, Joycelyn cut her off smoothly. “He may not have money, but he treats me well, so don’t worry.” She added with subtle bite, “Besides, isn’t this what everyone wanted? Me married off?” 

They’re all just here for money anyway, she thought strategically. Better to let Ellison fight fire with fire. 

“Never seen a man so damn shameless about living off a woman Phineas spat. 

“Oh, you can’t judge.” Joycelyn cut in. “At least he bought me something. When have you ever given my mother a gift?” 

Ellison adjusted Joycelyn’s disheveled hair, fully embracing his kept man” role while the Mercers sputtered, outmaneuvered on every front. 

Fine, 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 conceded. 

Too late. I’m married. Try selling your own daughter to yesterday’s prospect. Perfect match.” Joycelyn stood, tugging Ellison’s hand. “We’re done here. Let’s go 

Ellison rose with innate grace, his aristocratic bearing incongruous in the dingy apartment. 

You’d really abandon your mother?” Iris stumbled forward, shoved by her husband. 

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

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

Ellison’s death glare froze him mid–step. “Try it.” 

Joycelyn pulled Ellison quickly into the elevator, leaving the apament behind 

After they left, the Mercers‘ faces turned ugly with thwarted greed. 

“We’ll make a scene at her office tomorrow,” Phineas raged, pounding the sofa. “If she won’t pay up, I’ll make her life hell. My Juck’s running hot right now–I need that capital to win back my losses!” 

“My credit cards are maxed out too,” Octavia added anxiously. “I was counting on her money to tide me ever 

They couldn’t let their cash cow escape. Even if Joycelyn was breaking free, they had to squeeze one last big payment out of