Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 30 Chapter 30 In the restaurant , the group started by raising their glasses to Aurelia , toasting her promotion .

After that , they chatted for at little while .

During the conversation , it was mostly Selene and Aurelia who were talking excitedly , with Selene treating Ronny like an old friend .

She wasnt shy about venting her frustrations with Linda , almost as if she were enjoying a sense of triumph Ronny , you cant tell anyone about this , okay ? I still need to work under her , Selene whispered conspiratorially .

Dont worry .

I havent heard a thing .

Ronny replied with a smile , playing the role of waiter .

He would occasionally join in the conversation , but mostly focused on cutting the steaks .

With a fork in one hand and a knife in the other , his movements were precise and graceful .

Director Finch , heres your sirloin steak .

Be careful , its hot , Ronny said .

Thanks , Mr.

Downs .

Youre so thoughtful ! Aurelia took the plate with both hands , clearly appreciative .

I can do it myself , Joycelyn said , not used to being fussed over like that .

She politely declined when Ronny tried to take her steak away .

Its really no trouble , the steak is too hot .

You dont want to burn yourself , Ronny insisted .

Its fine , he just loves cutting steak for people .

This pasta is really good too .

You should try it , Selene said , pointing to a small dish of pasta .

Joycelyn couldnt argue with Selene , so she reluctantly put down her knife and fork .

Thanks , Mr.

Downs .

Its nothing , Ronny replied with a gentle smile .

Joycelyn glanced over at Aurelias plate , where the steak had been sliced with absolute precision each cut neat and perfec It was clear that Ronny wasnt just careful , he was also a bit of a perfectionist .

Ronnys movements were elegant .

He started from the left side of the steak , cutting from the outside in .

He fixed the steak with his fork , then sliced off a perfect bite sized piece with his knife .

Every cut was so precise it looked almost artistic .

All done , Ronny said , sliding the plate of steak toward Joycelyn .

Thank you .

Joycelyn was about to reach for the plate when suddenly , she felt a sharp , intense gaze fixed on her .

Without thinking , she looked up .

Her clear eyes locked with a pair of dark , piercing ones .

She froze , thinking , Ellison ? What is he doing here ? The sunlight poured in through the large windows , outlining his strong , angular features .

His face , sharp and defined , seemed almost sculpted in the golden light .

His eyes , calm but unwavering , carried a chilling intensity that made the atmosphere around him feel charged .

Joycelyn stiffened and quickly looked away , trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible .

She thought , Please dont notice me , please dont notice me ! But of course , Ellison walked straight over to their table .

Out of the corner of her eye , Joycelyn could see his black trousers perfectly fitted around his long legs , his stride purposeful 17:06 Tae , 11 Feb MO Chapter 30 and unhurried .

Her heart , which had been racing in her chest , seemed to drop into her stomach .

Mr.

Grant , the waitstaff greeted him respectfully as he approached .

Aurelia and the others all turned to look .

Mr.

Grant , Aurelia and Selene both stood to greet him .

Ronny glanced up , saw Ellison , and also stood , offering a polite greeting .

Mr.

Grant .

健 : 52 % But Joycelyn , feeling frozen in place , remained seated , her entire body tense .

Her mind was spinning , and all she could hear was the buzzing sound in her ears .

Ellison glanced at the table full of food .

Dining , I see .

Yes , we were celebrating Aurelias promotion .

By the way , Mr.

Grant , youve gotten even more handsome since the last time I saw you ! Selene , the little fangirl , couldnt help herself, her eyes shining with admiration .

Then , would you mind if I joined you ? Ellison asked smoothly , his voice calm but with an underlying authority .

Selene stared , wide eyed , completely caught off guard .

She quickly glanced over at Aurelia .

Aurelia , being the more composed one , and Ronny , with his gentle manner , both invited Ellison to sit .

The waiter , ever so attentive , brought over a chair and placed it behind Ellison .

Mr.

Grant , please have a seat .

Ellison sat down gracefully , his deep , cold gaze settling on Joycelyn .

The steak is cut quite well .

Joycelyns lashes fluttered in shock .

She mustered the courage to glance at Ellison seated beside her .

His face was as cold as always , his expression unreadable , but her heart was racing , almost leaping out of her chest .

Well … Joycelyns voice came out a little muffled , too nervous to sound calm .

What does Mr.

Grant prefer to eat ? Ronny asked politely .

I think the one thats already cut looks good , Ellison replied , his gaze never leaving Joycelyns tense face .

His eyes darkende , as though he was scrutinizing her every move .

Joycelyn could feel his gaze like a weight pressing on her .

It was clear from the beginning he wasnt interested in the food- he was focused on her .

I havent eaten yet , Joycelyn said quickly , trying to ease the tension .

If Mr.

Grant doesnt mind , you can go ahead .

She slowly pushed the steaming , neatly cut steak toward Ellison .

You go ahead and eat first , Mr.

Grant .

Ill cut my own steak for you , Ronny said , placing a fresh fork next to Ellisons plate .

then looking back at Joycelyn .

Ms.

Maynard , did you injure your hand ? Cant cut the steak ? Ellisons voice was still as cold as ever , but it carried a tone of superiority , like he was speaking from a place of power .

No , Joycelyn quickly denied , shaking her head .

Its not her hand , Mr.

Grant , Ronny explained .

She was chatting , so I cut it for her .

Mr.

Downs is very considerate , Ellison remarked , his voice still frosty .

Youd make a great waiter here .

The moment the words left his mouth , the atmosphere at the table dropped to absolute zero .

Even Ronny , who was usually calm and composed , could feel the bite in Ellisons tone .

52 % Chapter 30 Joycelyn immediately felt the need to protect Ronny , who was unfairly caught in the crossfire .

She quickly tried to smooth things over .

I was just being too picky .

Its no trouble at all , really .

Please , go ahead and cat , Mr.

Downs .

Ill ask the waiter to bring me another plate .

She tried to sound casual , but the tension was so thick that anyone with eyes could feel it .

Thankfully , Ronny was a man of grace .

He smiled lightly .

If Mr.

Grant thinks its okay , Ill give it a try ? Go ahead and eat , Joycelyn said quickly , trying to steer the conversation in a different direction .

Let me take another look at the menu .

Mr.

Grant , would you like anything else ? Just order whatever you think is good , Ellison replied , his tone as neutral as ever .

Joycelyn froze .

Her heart skipped a beat , and her face turned pale .

She thought , Is he doing this on purpose ? Is he trying to make this awkward on purpose ? She didnt dare to look at Aurelia or Selene .

The whole meal suddenly felt like a trap closing in on her .

She felt cornered , like a fish caught in a net .

Ill just order a little more then , Joycelyn said , forcing a tight smile .

Ronny glanced at her , his eyes betraying a hint of concern .

But he didnt comment .

Instead , he calmly picked up his plate , cutting his steak with slow , deliberate movements , savoring it .

Ellison took a bite , then called the waiter over .

Please bring me a new one , medium rare .

This ones cold.

The flavors off He set his fork down and wiped his mouth with anapkin .

There wasnt a trace of anger on his face , but his presence quiet and commanding was enough to make everyone at the table fall silent .

At that moment , no one dared to say a word not even Aurelia or the usually talkative Selene .

Ellison wasnt here just to eat .

It felt more like he had come to assert his dominance , as if he were the one in control .

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