Ellison And Joycelyn: A Love Beyond The Rules Novel

Chapter 59 Chapter 59 Joycelyn carried the paper bag and made her way to the presidents office floor .

As she stepped out of the elevator , she bumped into William .

* 52 % Feeling a bit awkward in the company building , Joycelyn hesitated before speaking , Assistant William , this is a sample that Linda asked me to deliver to the president for his review .

William , who had just emerged from the breakroom holding a cup of black coffee for Ellison , glanced at the familiar paper bag in her hand .

Perfect timing , the presidents black coffee also needs to be delivered to him , he said with a warm smile , clearly implying that she should take the coffee along with the sample .

Joycelyn frowned .

I have work to do , I cant go in .

I think the president would prefer if you delivered it personally , William said with a teasing smile , his professional demeanor mixed with a hint of playful matchmaking .

Joycelyn couldnt help but feel a little embarrassed but reluctantly took the coffee from him .

She couldnt help wondering what could be so important that Linda would give up the chance to impress Ellison herself .

Has Linda lost some influence behind the scenes and grown cautious ? Joycelyn thought .

But something told her this was more than just a simple task .

The presidents office door was half open , and Ellison was sitting in his large chair , reviewing documents and making annotations .

He wore a white shirt today , with two buttons undone , revealing a long neck and a crisp collar that stood tall on either side His serious expression , framed by his sharp brow and eye corners , radiated the calm , composed charm of a mature man .

His gaze , deep and unreadable , combined with his aristocratic aura , made him seem almost untouchable .

Even sitting down , he exuded an air of elegance and power .

His presence was magnetic , the kind of man whose beauty made it hard to look away .

Joycelyn stood for a moment , watching him with awe .

Then , she politely knocked on the door .

Come in , Ellisons deep voice responded .

Just as she was about to step in , she heard Williams voice from the assistants office , calling for a temporary meeting and asking everyone to stop working .

Joycelyn felt her face heat up .

William was being so obvious with his matchmaking that she couldnt help but feel self conscious .

Linda asked me to bring you this sample , and William also asked me to bring you the black coffee , she said , setting the paper bag and coffee cup down on the desk .

Ellison looked up at her , and for the first time , his deep eyes softened slightly , a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his 15:35 Wed , 12 Feb Chapter 59 lips .

Its only been an hour , and already you want to see me ? * 52 % If Joycelyn hadnt heard him say it herself , she would have never believed this serious , focused man was now teasing her .

Joycelyn , with her thin skin , was unable to withstand such teasing .

Alright , take a look at whats inside , she said , pushing the bag toward him .

Her curiosity piqued , she was just as eager to know what could be important enough for Linda to bypass the chance to gain favor with Ellison .

Do you want me to open it ? she asked , seeing that he was more interested in the contents than in drinking his coffee .

Sure , go ahead , Ellison said , lifting his coffee to take a sip , his gaze still fixed on her .

Inside the bag , Joycelyn found a sealed pastry with a logo on it .

Looks like cake ? As soon as Ellison heard her , his expression shifted .

His eyes narrowed , and his demeanor suddenly grew colder and more intense .

Joycelyn immediately sensed something was wrong .

Whats wrong ? she asked , her voice trembling slightly as she watched his reaction .

Ellisons eyes locked onto the familiar pastry , his emotions shifting from surprise to disbelief , and then a sharp pang of sadness .

For a moment , Joycelyn thought she had misread his expression , but no there was unmistakable pain in his eyes .

They were separated by only a desk , but she felt a powerful , almost suffocating sense of sorrow emanating from him .

It was as though he was drowning in an ocean of pain , and it radiated outward .

Whats the matter ? Joycelyn asked softly , stepping closer and bending down to check on him .

Ellisons usually impassive face was now rare sign of emotion showing through his composed exterior .

tense , a Its nothing .

Just throw it away , he said coldly , picking up his coffee and drinking it in one gulp .

The tension on his face was palpable , and Joycelyn quickly complied , grabbing the cake and paper bag to throw it out .

As she prepared to dispose of it , she noticed a small card inside the bag .

Curious , she opened it , and read : Ellison , I remember this was your and your mothers favorite cake .

I looked everywhere for it , hoping youd still like it .

It was signed , Ruby .

At that moment , everything clicked into place for Joycelyn .

She understood now why Ellison had looked so pained earlier .

Ruby must have thought she was doing something thoughtful for him , but in reality , it had only reopened old wounds .

The pain in Ellisons eyes had been unmistakable he hadnt yet healed from the loss of his parents .

Joycelyns heart ached for him .

She knew better than to ask about the details , so after disposing of the cake , she turned to go back to the office to comfort 9/3 15:35 Wed , 12 Feb Chapter 59 him .

But as she was about to leave through the back passage , she saw a man enter the office .

52 % Joycelyn immediately halted , but then remembered she had left her phone in Ellisons office .

Hesitant , she walked up to the door .

Suddenly , she heard a loud bang , as though something had been slammed onto the desk .

Take your watch back .

I dont need it .

Ellisons voice was ice cold as he stared down Carmelo , Carmelo , what are you doing ? Ruby only meant well .

Why do you always have to hurt her ? Carmelos face , usually so composed , was now filled with concern for Ruby .

Im married , Ellison said , his voice hard and final .

I wont accept gifts from any woman other than my wife .

Youre married ? And what about Ruby ? Carmelos immediate concern was for Ruby , his voice tinged with displeasure at his friends actions .

Ellisons eyes narrowed dangerously , and Carmelo quickly backed off , his expression apologetic .

Sorry , I didnt mean to upset you .

I just dont want Ruby to be hurt .

I used to think you were devoted .

Now I think youre just crazy .

Youve lost your mind , Ellison said bluntly , never having commented on Carmelos feelings before .

But now , he realized , he needed to reevaluate his so called friend .