Ellison And Joycelyn A Love Beyond The Rules novel Chapter 45

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. 

“Thanks for the trouble,” Ellison replied in a low voice. 

“Everyone’s here now, let’s have a toast, Leon said lazily, lifting his glass 

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Chapter 45 

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

When Ellison got home. William brought the gifts from his friends down to the living room 

Joycelyn, just coming down the stairs with a glass of water, saw Ellison, who was a little tipsy. His usually stern face had a faint blush. 

He sank into the sofa, leaning back and closing his eyes to rest. 

“Mr. Grant, are you drunk?” Joycelyn asked, walking over with a glass of warm water. 

William, having placed all the gifts down, stood up and replied, “Mr. Grant had a few drinks with friends today. He might be a little tipsy. Thank you for taking care of him, Mrs. Grant.” 

“Oh, no problem. Do you want me to help him upstairs to rest?” Joycelyn asked. 

It was almost nine o’clock, and Ellison’s body clock was usually set for a 9:30 bedtime. 

“I’m not drunk,” Ellison opened his eyes, his deep gaze meeting hers 

His voice, husky from 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 tell if he was truly drunk. 

William didn’t want to intrude further, so he left after giving them a few simple reminders. 

Joycelyn stood beside Ellison, holding the water cup, looking at his handsome face. She sat down next to him and handed him the water, saying, “Drink some water. Would you like me to make you some hangover soup?” 

“No need,” Ellison took her soft, small hand into his, his voice low and dark as he said, “Joycelyn.” 

“Mmm,” Joycelyn replied softly, 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 warmth. 

“You’re concerned about me?” Ellison’s gaze was intense as he looked at her. 

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

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

“That sounds so dismissive,” Ellison released her hand and closed his eyes again. 

He lay there silently, making Joycelyn unsure of what to do next. 

“Why dismissive?” she asked. 

“My grandmother always said that eyes don’t lie. True concern is gentle, Ellison’s voice was deep and rich, and it sent a strange tightness to Joycelyn’s chest. 

Joycelyn didn’t know how to respond and stayed silent. 

After a pause, Ellison spoke again, “You’re just going through the motions.” 

Joycelyn froze, her clear eyes filled with confusion. 

He must have really been drunk if he was suddenly so melancholic. 

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Chapter 45 

“Um, are all these gifts from your friends?” she quickly changed the subject. 

The gifts were obviously well–packaged and expensive. There were bottles of wine and golf clubs, clearly all quite pricey. 

The first gift bag caught her eye–it was from Rolex, and it looked familiar. 

It resembled the limited edition watch she’d seen today at the store, the one that the rich girl had bought. 

Ellison gave a nonchalant “Mm–hmm” in response. 

“Can I see it?” Joycelyn couldn’t help but ask out of curiosity. 

“Go ahead,” Ellison said casually.