Ellison And Joycelyn A Love Beyond The Rules novel Chapter 4

"Joycelyn, please." Iris's soft voice carried a subtle rebuke. "Phineas wants what's best for you—a stable future." Her swollen eyes betrayed hours of tears, yet here she was, still playing peacemaker.

Exhaustion swept through Joycelyn as she closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. "That hundred-thousand-dollar engagement gift—why not sell off your own precious daughter instead?"

"God, I wouldn't marry that troll," Octavia drawled from her perch on the couch, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "You should grab the offer while you're young enough to command a decent price. Once you hit thirty, you'll be damaged goods."

Cold fury settled in Joycelyn's chest as she met her mother's eyes. "Mom, is that really what you think too?"

Her mother's averted gaze spoke volumes. The message was clear—Joycelyn had no real place in this family.

"Octavia." Iris's weak protest earned only a contemptuous eye roll from her daughter.

"Either marry him tomorrow or get out of my house!" Phineas's voice thundered through the room.

"Mom." Joycelyn's voice cracked with disappointment. "What was the point of all these years?"

Iris opened her mouth, but Phineas cut her off. "I'm your man now—your lifelong partner. A married daughter is like water under the bridge. You can't count on her anymore."

"Listen to your father, dear," Iris whispered, thoroughly cowed.

"My father is dead." Joycelyn's words could have frozen hell as she stared at Phineas.

"Then get out!" he roared. "Get out of my house, you ungrateful snake. Let's see how long you last on your own, you worthless parasite!"