Chapter 12 8447 % E Mhm Ellison gently moved her hand aside and pressed the door close button , then the top floor .
Which floor ? Twenty six , Joycelyn murmured , worrying her already marked lower lip between her teeth .
Were legally married , not having an affair , he said , hands casually tucked in his pockets as he studied her with piercing .
contemplative eyes .
She drew an unsteady breath .

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This is all new to me .
Two days from strangers to marriage plus the whole boss employee dynamic .
First marriage for both of us , isnt it ? His lips curved with subtle amusement , the gesture strangely sensual .
Before she could respond , the elevator doors opened .
Employees filed in , murmuring respectful greetings that Ellison acknowledged with a slight nod .
His imposing presence kept them at bay except around Joycelyns corner , where they unconsciously crowded .
As she swayed unsteadily , an arm slipped around her waist , steadying her .
Her head turned mechanically to find Ellison .
beside her , his public demeanor perfectly composed while she fought rising panic .
She subtly shifted her body , trying to evade his hand .
But his expression remained calm and composed , giving away nothing .
The entire elevator was held in a tense silence , with everyone else frozen in awe of Ellisons powerful presence .
intimidated to even glance in their direction .
When the crowd thinned several floors later , she deliberately stepped on his polished shoe .
He retaliated with a quick pinch on her waist that sent electricity through her body .
Thank heaven for her mask hiding her reaction She shot him an accusing glare before turning away .
At her floor she practically bolted .
After rushing out , she made it two steps before having to steady herself against the wall , her legs shaky beneath her .
Whether from lingering effects of last nights abandon or just her nerves from earlier , she couldnt tell Look whos finally here , Selene said , spotting Joycelyns unsteady stance .
She grabbed some printouts and rushed to support her friends arm .
That hangovers really hanging on , hun ? Never drinking again , Joycelyn played along gratefully .
You couldve also taken the afternoon off to recover , you know Selene suggested .
Got too much on my plate to catch up on , Joycelyn sighed .
Selene spotted the booklet in her hand .
Is that did you buy a car ? Yeah .
My scooter died , and its always raining lately .
It was Joycelyns first real achievement , even if Ellison had paid for it .
Shed find a way to repay him .
Bravo , Girl ! Finally , doing something for yourself .
Selene grinned approvingly .
Joycelyns smile turned bitter .
Two years of work had gone to student loans and supporting her family , only to feed a den of wolves Feeling better ? Aurela Finch called from her desk .
We thought you were with that blind date .
12:54 Mon , Feb 10 D Chapter 12 Our workaholic wouldnt miss perfect attendance for a man , Stene joked .
True , Aurelia agreed with a nod Speaking of which , Selene said , howd that go ? * 4732 Mamas boy demanding joint mortgage payments and a guaranteed son .
Joycelyns smile could have frozen water .
What a joke ! Acting all refined , but turns out hes totally shady , Selene scoffed .
What happened to those refined photos ? Ancient history .
Hes balding now , Joycelyn said wearily .
I knew blind dates were a gamble , but this was something else .
What a total loser .
Selene grimaced , then suddenly brightened , giving Joycelyn a playful wink .
Hey sweetie , let me set you up someone better the art director from our branch office .
Hes my senior from college Thanks , but Im married to my job , Joycelyn cut her off firmly Youre wasting those looks .
Come on , youre not getting any younger ! A gorgeous girl like you needs to get out there and live a little .
Selene grinned , shameless as ever in her matchmaking attempts .
Ignoring the office gossip , Joycelyn buried herself in work until her phones insistent buzzing became impossible to ignore .
In the restroom , she finally answered .
Please come home , sweetheart , her mother sobbed .
If not for yourself , think of me .
Lets talk this out as a family .
Phineass roar shattered her mothers plea .
Your worthless daughters off whoring around , bringing shame on us all The sounds of violence and her mothers desperate cries filled the line .
Touch her and Im calling the police ! Joycelyns grip whitened round the phone before the line went dead .
Without hesitation , she rushed back to her desk , grabbed her car keys and turned to her supervisor .
Aurelia , family emergency I need to head back .
just count this as a full day off Before anyone could respond , she was already sprinting for the elevator .
This time shed rescue her mother from that parasitic nest of vipers .
As soon as she rushed home , she found the Mercers relatives filling the living room like circling vultures .
Phineas and Octavia glared hatred while her mothers guilty eyes slid away from hers .
The trap became crystal clear theyd manipulated her into returning .
As she spun to leave , Octavias cousin Cedric Mercers meaty hand clamped around her arm .
Youre not going anywhere until you pay back what you owe your stepfather ! he spat .
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