Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Mr.

Grant , theres a crowd outside .

If you go out now to check on her , your relationship wont stay hidden for long .

William said , speaking calmly .

him , but he couldnt ignore the reality of the situation .

After all , the secret marriage had been Joycelyns He didnt stop h request .

Ellison didnt seem to care .

He strode into the elevator , pressing the button for the first floor with determination .

William quickly followed and stood behind him , maintaining a calm demeanor .

As the elevator descended , Ellison stood with his hands in his pockets , his expression as cold as ever .

The sharp , handsome lines of his face were shadowed by an ominous air .

The tension around him seemed to pulse , as if it could shatter the elevator at any moment .

William , stealing glances at him .

kept his mouth shut , sensing that any word might make the situation worse .

Joycelyn, on the other hand , felt heavy hearted .

From the scandal about the roses this morning to the mess with her family just now , she knew the office would be buzzing with rumors about her before long .

Aurelia and Selene stayed by her side , offering words of comfort .

Joycelyn , you handled that beautifully just now .

I always thought your mom was a bit soft , but now I see its not softness , its just ignorance .

How could she hit her own daughter ? Aurelia said , clearly upset .

She had been around long enough to recognize the kind of person Joycelyn was .

Theyd worked together for two years , and in that time , Aurelia had seen Joycelyns diligence and integrity firsthand .

She was hard working and responsible .

As a person , she was kind , considerate , and loyal to her family .

Despite being young and attractive , shed never shown any desire to flaunt it .

Shed always put her family first , even sacrificing personal luxuries .

To think that someone like Joycelyn who had never even dated was being slandered for having an affair with an older man .

It made Aurelia furious .

Joycelyn , now processing the events , realized how brave she had been in standing up for herself for the first time .

After all these years , she had finally fought back .

Still , the aftermath was hard to shake .

Your stepsister is obviously a schemer , a classic bitch type .

Shes not someone you want to underestimate .

Joycelyn , you should move out .

You make enough money to support yourself , Selene encouraged .

Ive already moved out .

Joycelyn sighed softly , looking at the descending numbers in the elevator .

Her eyes were swollen from crying .

They tried to force me into an arranged marriage because the guy promised a huge sum of money .

I didnt like him , so I ended things with them , Joycelyn added .

She looked at the numbers flicking by as the elevator went down , feeling a deep sense of loss .

She had cut ties with them , no matter how much she tried to break free , they kept pulling her back in ..

but She thought , What should I do if they dont stop ? The image of Mercer familys hostile faces lingered in her mind , and she felt a knot in her stomach .

Selene clenched her fists .

They probably thought you were beautiful and obedient , so they wanted to sell you off for a good price .

Chapter 33 Aurelias tone was stern .

Dont let them manipulate you .

As women , if we want to stand on our own , we have to be tough Cut out the toxic people , and dont let anyone drain you .

Sometimes , family can be even more dangerous than strangers Yeah , I know .

Joycelyn nodded , her tone quiet .

Just then , the elevator doors opened As Joycelyn stepped forward , she almost collided with Ellison , who was in a hurry to leave the elevator .

Their eyes met , and for a moment , everything else seemed to fade .

He was looking at her with deep concern , and for a brief second , Joycelyn thought she was imagining it .

She instinctively lowered her head , letting her hair fall to cover the side of her face that had been slapped .

Ellison , who had been about to step out , paused when he saw her .

His eyes immediately locked onto the swollen half of her face , and the pain in his chest surged .

His anger was palpable , but so was his tenderness .

Mr.

Grant , Joycelyn greeted him politely , her voice a little shaky .

Aurelia and Selene , following behind , were momentarily stunned when they saw Ellison in the elevator .

They quickly nodded and greeted him .

Mr.

Grant Ellison gave a brief nod , stepping back to allow them to enter the elevator .

Aurelia and Selene exchanged a glance , both confused , thinking .

Wasnt the elevator coming down ? Why is Mr.

Grant staying inside ? Is everything alright ? I heard there was some trouble outside .

Ellisons voice , calm yet steady , broke the silence in the elevator .

Although he addressed all three of them , his gaze was fixed on Joycelyn , who was still standing there with her head lowered .

clearly upset .

Joycelyn replied softly , Im fine .

I just worry it might cause some negative attention for the company .

The company always supports its employees , Ellison said , his voice firm .

Tll get to the bottom of this .

Aurelia and Selene exchanged a quick glance at each other when they heard his words .

Mr.

Grant is amazing ! Were so lucky to work for someone as powerful and charismatic as you , Selene said enthusiastically , giving him a thumbs up .

If youve been wronged , take the afternoon off .

Im approving it , Ellison added , his concern evident as he noticed the distress in Joycelyns demeanor .

Im fine , really , I dont need to rest , Joycelyn quickly refused , not wanting to seem weak .

Come on , Joycelyn , this is a special perk from Mr.

Grant , Selene insisted with a bright smile , trying to cheer her up .

Youve had a tough time today .

Take a break , maybe get some sleep Yeah , and youre not even living at home anymore , right ? Where are you staying ? We should hang out this weekend go shopping or see a movie , Selene continued , doing her best to take Joycelyns mind off things .

But Joycelyn wasnt sure how to respond .

T … L.

She hesitated , trailing off as she nervously swallowed .

Tm staying with a good friend for now .

Maybe we can plan something this weekend .

Joycelyn wasnt the type to talk much , and she wasnt good at lying .

After saying that , she felt awkward , not knowing where to look .

17:07 Ke , 11 Feb Chapter 34 Ellison , observing her discomfort , gave her a brief , subtle glance .

When the elevator doors opened , he pressed the button to keep them open , his voice quiet yet firm .

Weve arrived Aurelia and Selene , startled by his action , quickly ushered Joycelyn out of the elevator .

Back at her desk , Joycelyn had barely taken a sip of water when Aurelia and Selene started packing up her bag .

You should head home and rest , Aurelia suggested kindly .

Okay , Joycelyn said softly , nodding in agreement .

You two go ahead .

Ill be fine on my own .

She took her bag from them , reassuring them that she would be okay .

As they returned to their own desks , Joycelyns phone buzzed with a new message .

Ellison : [ Ive arranged for the driver to take you home at the second basement level .

] Joycelyn : [ Okay .

] Ellison : [ Does your face still hurt ? Do you need to go to the hospital ?] Seeing his concerned message , Joycelyn bit her lip , her long fingers quickly typing a response .

[ Im fine .

Just feeling a bit drained .

But if they keep showing up like this , Im not sure what to do .

] She had hesitated for a while , then decided to reach out for help .

Ellison responded almost immediately .

[ Ill have security increase their patrols .

Dont worry .

This is still my company.1 Joycelyn : [ Thank you .

Im sorry to trouble you .

] .

She couldnt help but feel like this whole situation might become office gossip and potentially hurt the companys image .

Ellison stared at her polite response , his brow furrowing slightly .

[ If you really think its a hassle , find another way to thank me ] Joycelyn : [ What way ? ] Ellison , holding his phone , lightly tapped the screen with his fingers , his expression calm but expectant as he waited for Joycelyn to figure it out on her own .

After waiting a while and receiving no further reply , Joycelyn hesitated before typing .

[ How about I cook you dinner tonight to thank you ? ] Ellison glanced at her response and replied with a simple , [ No need .

] He then set his phone aside and spoke to William , his voice sharp and cold , Have the entire security team replaced .

Make sure this doesnt spread any further within the company .

William nodded respectfully .

Understood , sir .

And one more thing .

Ellison called out to William , his tone even colder .

Find a way to send Ronny out of the office .

Dont let him anywhere near her .

Ellison thought , Ronny , if you are trying to date Joycelyn , you are asking for trouble .

Chapter 34