Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 354 You must have a persecution complex .

But thats okay .

Many people love overthinking Given your special status , I can understand , Joycelyn smiled as she spoke .

Joycelyn did not explain and just watched quietly as Bellina fumed .

She was just one step away from outright calling Bellina an adopted daughter .

Bellina retorted , I do not ! Then dont get so worked up .

If you claim Im bullying you , Dad will be put in a tough spot .

Joycelyns tone was relaxed .

Her smile was light , making it seem like harmless teasing between girls .

But Bellinas expression grew even more displeased .

Joycelyn wasnt giving her any face at all .

Bellina said , Im your sister in law now .

I must say your birthday party is quite grand .

You must have received a lot of gifts .

Why dont I help you open them ? She continued , Wow , this ruby set is gorgeous ! Can I have it as a wedding gift ? Were family now .

You wouldnt mind , would you ? Bellinas gaze fell on the jewelry set in the case .

She knew a thing or two about jewelry .

At a glance , she could tell these were extremely valuable .

Among them , one particular set of dazzling ruby pieces stood out .

It was a royal heirloom auctioned for more than 300 thousand dollars .

Seeing it in person , it was even more breathtaking than in pictures .

The way the precisely cut gemstones refracted light made her eyes burn with jealousy .

Ellison watched Bellina try to snatch Joycelyns birthday gift in front of everyone .

Joycelyn could feel Ellisons anger .

Just as the tension rose , Joycelyn tightened her grip on his arm and spoke first .

Tll make sure to prepare a different wedding gift , but my birthday gifts today belong to me alone .

None of them will be given away ! Her voice was gentle but firm .

Bellinas greedy expression immediately mixed with anger .

Youre obviously not happy with me ! You have so many sets .

Whats wrong with giving me one as a gift ? Youre so stingy ! Im your sister in law ! After that , Bellina clung to Jeromes arm and started acting spoiled .

Jerome , I really love this ruby necklace … Her voice was soft and coquettish .

Though the hall wasnt packed with guests , the ones present were all high society elites .

Bellinas shameless behavior was making waves .

Joycelyn , being patient , didnt react much .

Lucy and Sandra were enraged by Bellinas behavior However , folde was not someone to be trifled with .

She let out a soft chuckle and spoke .

They say upbringing can polish a person , but it cannot change whats deep in their nature .

Belle , Ive heard the Schultz family raised you as their own , showering you with love and care .

Yet after all these years , they still couldnt change the pettiness and greed in your bones .

It seems that one must be very cautious when it comes to adoption The moment holde finished , the surrounding guests murmured in agreement .

Indeed .

I heard that Mrs.

Joycelyn Grant was raised in an ordinary family , yet she carries an innate grace and refinement 1/2 17:12 Thu , 20 Mar & Chapter 354 that few can match , an elderly woman remarked .

100 % +45 After hearing that elderly womans comment , Lucys anger eased a little .

She said , I envy Belles confidence .

No one else is as shameless as she is .

Sandra crossed her arms and gave Bellina a slow once over .

Truc .

If shamelessness were a currency , you would be the richest person in the room .

She added , Maybe you have a talent for bending things to suit yourself , like rules , morals , even the truth .

I just made an offhand comment .

Did you all have to gang up on me ? Bellina looked at Lucy and Sandra with pitiful , resentful eyes .

When her gaze landed on Joycelyn , she gave her a vicious glare .

I can find a doctor to sew your mouth shut .

Or better yet , rip your tongue out .

Ellisons gaze lowered slightly and spoke with irritation .

His expression was cold and intimidating .

His blunt words made Bellina go completely silent .

Bellina stared at him in shock and disbelief , expecting him to order Sandra to hit her .

Jerome … theyre all bullying me .

Bellina lifted her tearful eyes to Jerome , hoping he would stand up for her .

Lets go .

If we dont leave now , I wont be able to stop them either .

Jerome sighed , his tone carrying a hint of helplessness .

It was clear even he was fed up .

Bellina was unwilling to back down , but Jeromes grip on her was firm .

She struggled , but she couldnt break free .

Jerome , youre hurting me ! Her voice trembled with a sob .

In the past , whenever she cried , Jerome would instantly spoil her .

But now , it didnt seem to work anymore .

Once they left , Joycelyn withdrew her gaze .

She said , Isolde , why dont you take the ladies to rest for a bit ? The party will begin soon .

Alright .

Ladies , this way , please .

Isolde made a welcoming gesture as she led the group away .

She added a sarcastic remark as they walked away , Living long enough lets you see all kinds of ridiculous people .

I had no idea she was the Schultz familys adopted daughter .

When I heard about their marriage , I nearly had a heart attack , one of the noblewomen murmured .

Once the elders were gone , Sandra couldnt hold back her complaints .

Seriously , this is the first time Ive seen someone beg with such a sense of entitlement .

This is beyond ridiculous ! Joycelyn didnt want to create too much drama in such a formal setting .

It would only embarrass the Schultz family further .

She didnt bother going to the main hall .

Meanwhile , Bellina had barely stepped out before regaining her usual haughty and self important demeanor .

She quickly pulled her arm away from Jerome and instead linked arms with Lily , as if she were the true star of todays event .

Look at that woman .

Shes trying so hard to steal the spotlight ! Shes wearing the same color as you .

Shes also sticking close to your dad and stepmother like shes the real birthday girl .

Lucy peeked outside and scoffed .

The Spencer brothers were all busy entertaining the distinguished guests , leaving Bellina free to shamelessly steal attention .

2/3 17:12 Thu , 20 Mar Chapter 354 100 % Her marriage announcement barely made a ripple .

Of course , shes here to force her way into the limelight , Joycelyn remarked , sipping her juice with a knowing look .

She wasnt angry , just amused .

I cant stand this anymore .

Sandra picked up a glass of red wine and strode toward Bellina .

Approaching from behind , she pretended to trip and accidentally spilled the entire glass down Bellinas back .

+45 Bellina had been chatting with a highly influential socialite when she suddenly felt an icy chill against her skin .

The delicate fabric of her dress clung to her body uncomfortably .

Letting out a sharp scream , she spun around to see her custom made , limited edition gown was stained by the deep red liquid .

Not only did it look messy , but the placement of the stain made it even worse .

It looked exactly like menstrual blood .

3/3