Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 213 Rubys patience was wearing thin .

With a sharp tone , she said , If its not you , then it must be Joycelyn , right ? The thought of this possibility erupted Rubys anger , building pressure to the point of explosion .

Ms.

Wilson , you seem quite concerned about this .

May I ask , what does it have to do with you ? Leahs voice was gentle , carrying a soft smile as she effortlessly turned the question toward Ruby , leaving her no room to respond .

Sensing that the situation was growing increasingly absurd , the surrounding VIPS lost interest and quietly dispersed .

No longer gathering by the door to gossip , they mingled in the banquet hall and enjoyed the evening .

Sandra helped Luna get some rest and settled into a nearby lounge area .

423 ) Only Ruby remained , standing before Leah and blocking her way .

The two were now in opposition , and where Ruby had once trusted Leahs medical expertise , all she felt now was suspicion and hostility .

Isolde settled into a chair in the lounge , gently rubbing the back of her neck .

How strange .

Everything just went dark all of a sudden .

Isolde , the doctor advised you to stay calm and avoid any drafts or chills , Joycelyn said , stepping forward to check Isoldes neck .

She found nothing unusual .

Iris stood awkwardly , watching Joycelyn and Isolde share such a close moment , her eyes filled with scheming thoughts .

So youre Joycelyns mother , are you ? To raise such an outstanding daughter , I imagine she must have inherited most of her qualities from her father .

Isolde sat tall , the marks of age etched deeply into her face , yet she still radiated an undeniable authority that no ordinary person could rival .

Her words , spoken with calm precision , completely disregarded Iris .

Yes , of course , Isolde .

Youre absolutely right , Iris murmured , her head lowered , too afraid to show any sign of defiance .

Joycelyn thought , Shes so weak and reserved , easily manipulated .

Anyone with a fragile heart would be ashamed to see their mother act this way .

Thankfully , Ive lost all hope in her , feeling nothing but indifference .

Since you feel that way , then stop interfering with Joycelyns life .

Joycelyn has an incredible future ahead of her , and she cant afford to have someone like you standing in her way .

As a mother , youre failing her , Isolde said , her words sharp and direct .

Iris lifted her gaze , staring blankly , rejecting Isoldes blunt words .

I gave birth to her , raised her , and nurtured her into who she is .

Without me , she wouldnt be where she is today .

You cant say that about me , Isolde , Iris replied , her voice wavering , yet her defiance still evident .

Indeed , without your harsh treatment , Joycelyn wouldnt have developed such a strong will .

But now , she is one of the key talents being cultivated by the Grant Group .

If you continue to make things difficult for her , youll be opposing us directly .

I may be old , but I still have plenty of people who can help .

Finding Joycelyn a more suitable set of parents is hardly a challenge , Isolde said with a smile .

Iris immediately grew upset at the words .

Thats impossible .

Joycelyn is my daughter .

I gave birth to her , and I raised her ! Im her mother ! With money , anything is possible .

I could find someone with the same name and bloodline and quietly replace you without anyone noticing , Isolde said with a friendly smile , but the air around her crushed an undeniable force .

Iris felt a suffocating pressure closing in on her chest .

Fear flicked her eyes as she stammered , What are you going to do ? How many wealthy families do you know that are truly spotless ? If you dont behave , Mrs.

Mercer , I can find Joycelyn a 1/3 Chapter 218 her so 11 more respectable mother comeone who wont bring her shame or make her uncomfortable in pedic trodde said with a smile But that smile sent a chill down Iriss spine .

Y You youre going to kill me ? Ah ! Im too old for such things Isolde chuckled .

Hut replacing you ? Thats easy enough , 1 could find someone similar to you to take your place .

As for where youd go , I have plenty of options dungeons , deserted islands , plenty of places to keep you ? Iris took several steps back , her face filled with disbelief and fear .

Do you think I wont go out and expose you ? she stammered .

Youre welcome to go , Isolde said with a smile in her sharp , knowing eyes , Go ahead and expose me , as long as you can guarantee youll leave here in one piece ? Iris was terrified , her face draining of color .

She turned to Joycelyn , who had remained silent , trembling as she pointed at her .

You ! You heard that .

I am your mother ? I certainly dont agree with this , but one must look out for themselves , right ? Everyone wants a better future , Joycelyn said with a soft smile , though it didnt reach her eyes .

You would go so far as to hurt me for the sake of your future ! Iriss voice shook with emotion , her face filled with disappointment and accusation .

Joycelyns expression remained calm , her lips curling into a cold , indifferent smile .

If you can harm me , why cant I do the same to you ? If you dont behave , the Grant family will be keeping a close eye on you , ready to take action at any moment , Isolde said with a sigh .

If you start running your mouth , you might find yourself unable to speak one day .

I heard Cedric and Tristan have ended up in a rather unfortunate situation quite amusing , dont you think ? She added with a knowing smile .

Terrified , Iris grabbed a cloth and fled as if some malevolent force chased her .

After Iris left , Joycelyn sighed softly , silently watching Isolde .

Her eyes began to fill with tears .

Isolde , Im sorry , she whispered .

Silly child , its not your fault having a mother like that , Isolde said softly .

I had planned to help her out with some money , but with her weakness and Phineas and Octavia stirring trouble maybe fear is the only way to keep her in check .

I know what youre worried about , Isolde said , her voice reassuring .

From now on , were family .

The Grant family will be your strongest support .

Now , come let me take you outside.

Isolde raised her hand , signaling for Joycelyn to help her up .

Only moments ago , Isolde had been firm and calculating , using kindness and intimidation .

Now , her face softened with warmth , like a playful old soul .

That performance was pretty good , wasnt it ? Yes , Oscar worthy , Joycelyn smiled , offering her praise .

Just as Joycelyn was about to help Isolde leave , a commotion from the hallway caught her attention .

Moments later , the door swung open .

Ellison stood in the doorway , his presence cold and commanding .

Joycelyn had been feeling off all evening , but the moment she saw Ellisons calm , handsome face , her mood shifted , and her eyes brightened with relief .

06:55 Thu , 6 Mar Chapter 213 What are you doing here ? Joycelyn asked , not realizing her voice had taken on a hint of playful reliance .