Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 353 A few days later , Joycelyns grand birthday banquet officially began .

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100 % ] +45 The venue ? None other than the most historic hotel owned by the Spencer family a place once reserved for hosting political summits .

This alone spoke volumes about how much the Schultz family valued Joycelyn .

Even though the event was held at the Spencer familys property , Timothy cleared his schedule , personally overseeing the arrangements .

At this moment , he and Zack were stationed in the grand foyer , welcoming distinguished guests .

Upstairs , in the VIP lounge , Joycelyn was changing into her gown and getting her makeup done .

Ellison had been keeping her company until Lucy , Sandra , and the other ladies arrived , prompting him to step out .

Coincidentally , the second floor balcony had been beautifully decorated .

As Haddy and Leon arrived , they spotted Ellison walking out .

Leon , looking utterly drained , collapsed onto a sofa and groaned , Ellison .

Ellison strode over , settling into the long couch , one leg casually crossed over the other as he eyed Leons miserable state .

Today is your sister in laws birthday .

Ill give you the day off tomorrow , Ellison announced , his voice cool and crisp .

Leon instantly shot up , his exhaustion vanishing like smoke .

A dazzling , almost wicked grin spread across his face .

Much appreciated ! Meanwhile , inside the VIP lounge , Joycelyn had changed into a stunning custom made lavender gown soft and elegant , perfectly complementing her delicate beauty .

Her long hair had been curled slightly and styled into a graceful half up , half- down princess look .

The exquisite cut of the gown traced her figure flawlessly , and under the soft lighting , her skin glowed like a masterpiece painted with the finest brushstrokes .

She was already breathtaking , but with the light touch of makeup , her features were sculpted to perfection every glance , every smile , like a scene straight out of a dream .

In the mirror , her bright , clear eyes shimmered like starlit pools .

Her dainty , slightly upturned nose made her look even more adorable .

Her lips small , full , and cherry red were so perfect they seemed almost edible .

The other girls had also dressed up , but they had all instinctively chosen simpler , more understated designs none daring to overshadow Joycelyn on her special day .

Seeing how radiant she looked , the girls immediately swarmed around her .

Joycelyn , youre absolutely stunning ! Selene gasped , unable to take her eyes off her .

Im so jealous of Mr.

Grant ! Fair skin , gorgeous face , tiny waist , long legs … and damn , that diamond necklace is enormous ! Though Selene was talking about the necklace , her eyes were definitely not fixated on Joycelyns jewelry .

The envy in her gaze was practically tangible .

Why is life so unfair ? Why is Joycelyn blessed with such killer curves while Im as flat as a board ? Selene thought .

Back in the day , she might have jokingly taken some friendly liberties -but now ? No way .

If Ellison walked in and caught 1/3 Chapter 353 her being inappropriate , shed probably end up scrubbing the companys toilets for a month .

Joycelyns dress wasnt particularly revealing , but Selenes pervy X ray vision was a problem .

At her remark , the rest of the girls leaned in , their eyes scanning Joycelyn from her necklace … downward .

A chorus of gasps erupted .

WOW ! The collective exclamation was so loud it could be heard all the way outside on the terrace .

Joycelyn , now thoroughly embarrassed , instinctively raised her hands to shield herself .

Sometimes , when a group of women gathered , the conversation took a very unfiltered turn .

Keep it down ! Shhh ! Joycelyn shushed them with a giggle .

Lucy whipped out her phone , eager to snap some group selfies .

The energy inside the VIP lounge was as lively as the main ballroom .

At last , the time came .

A staff member entered to escort Joycelyn downstairs the banquet was about to begin .

100 % +45 ) Soft lavender roses adorned the entire hall , creating a dreamy , fairytale like atmosphere .

The grand chandeliers cast a warm , golden glow over the elegantly set tables , which were laden with gourmet delicacies and the finest wines .

A live orchestra played in the background , their music adding a layer of romance and grandeur to the evening .

But the centerpiece of the night ? A magnificent , nine tiered cake crafted in the events signature color and designed by a world class pâtissier .

Ellison had it custom ordered just for her .

With her arm linked through Ellisons , Joycelyn gracefully descended the grand spiral staircase , her gown trailing behind her .

The guests in the inner hall were all family and close acquaintances , while the foreign dignitaries and extended guests were stationed in the outer hall , separated by security personnel .

This was the first time Joycelyn had ever experienced such an extravagant , tailor made birthday celebration .

Everything- every detail had been meticulously arranged with her at the heart of it all .

Mrs.

Grant , happy birthday .

Your gift is waiting for you at home , on the bed .

Open it later , Ellison murmured beside her , his tone carrying a hint of mystery ..

A surprise gift ? Joycelyns eyes lit up , her irises gleaming like the night sky sprinkled with stars .

Ellison had already gifted her an entire set of priceless purple diamonds today , which she adored .

Wait until we get home , he teased , a smirk playing at his lips .

Just then , Isolde arrived with a group of elegantly dressed ladies her longtime friends and fellow socialites .

Oh , my precious granddaughter in law ! Happy birthday ! Come , look at what I brought for you .

Youre going to love it , Isolde beamed as she gestured for her bodyguards to present the gifts .

Six exquisite cases were placed before Joycelyn .

Inside each , a breathtaking set of jewelry red , orange , yellow , green , blue , and indigo gemstones , all of the highest quality .

2/3 17:12 Thu , 20 Mar Chapter 353 The purple set was already adorning Joycelyn .

This display of wealth and affection was even grander than her engagement dowry , Joycelyn was stunned these were treasures so rare and beautiful they defied description .

Grandma , this is way too much , she whispered , overwhelmed .

8 .

, 100 % +45 ) Too much ? a well dressed elderly lady , one of Isoldes longtime friends , suddenly exclaimed in admiration .

Her expert eye locked onto an emerald bracelet among the collection .

My goodness , Isolde , this is exquisite ! Isolde simply smiled .

You are my one and only precious granddaughter in law .

All of these have been saved just for you .

Ill have them delivered to your home .

Seven days in a week , wear a different set every day ! I still have a few hundred more waiting for you .

Wow ! Grandma , are you sure Im not your long lost granddaughter ? Lucy , Selene , and the girls burst out in playful envy .

Isolde chuckled .

Alright , alright , I like you girls .

Each of you gets a set ! Just as the atmosphere was at its warmest , a delicate voice rang out .

Isolde , may I share in this good fortune ? Bellina gracefully approached , her arm entwined with Jeromes .

Tonight , she had shed her usual sweet , innocent look and arrived in full glam adorned with expensive diamonds and jewels .

Her dress ? A deep crimson purple , cerily similar to Joycelyns .

Clearly , she had done this on purpose .

At her words , all eyes turned toward her .

Bellina basked in their attention , tilting her chin ever so slightly like a proud peacock flaunting its feathers .

Isoldes smile remained kind , but her words were sharp as a blade .

Youve already basked in Joycelyns fortune for years while living in the Schultz family .

And now , youve even claimed Jerome .

What more do you need ? A single sentence light and casual yet it utterly shattered Bellinas façade .

Her confident smile faltered , just for a moment .

But she quickly recovered .

Are you saying you dont like me ? Could it be that Joycelyn has been complaining about me to you , making you biased against me ? Bellinas voice was soft , but her words carried a sharp sting , directing the tension straight toward Joycelyn .

Belle , Jerome interjected , his tone firm , a warning laced in his voice , Joycelyn hadnt even spoken a word , yet Bellina had already painted he as and malicious .

The once warm atmosphere turned cold .

The guests exchanged glances , their expressions shifting .