Chapter 14 Chapter 14 47 % 2 Well , well , Phineas scoffed .
Turning down a man with a house and six figure engagement gift for this pretty boy ? Youve lost your mind , Joycelyn .
Despite Ellisons commanding presence , Phineas had convinced himself he faced just another nobody .
His fear morphed into contempt .
Watch out , Joycelyn .
Men like him always turn abusive , Octavia chimed in , twisting the knife .
Ellisons arctic stare pierced Octavias facade , making her stumble back .
Ellison wiped his hand fastidiously after touching Cedric , then stroked Joycelyns hair with surprising gentleness .
Its okay .
Im here now .
Where does it hurt ? Joycelyn pressed against him like a lifeline , voice cracking .
Just bruises .
But they took my phone and purse .
Return them .
Ellison addressed the group before him , his tone brooking no argument .
Cedric practically threw the items at them .
Listen here , boy , Phineass bluster had dimmed but hadnt died Marriage to her comes with a steep price tag engagement gift plus raising expenses , totaling 240 thousand doars .
Got that kind of cash ? Fine , Ill sell everything I own .
Ellison passed Joycelyn her purse with theatrical gravity .
The Mercers eyes gleamed with greed while Joycelyn clutched Ellisons shirt , silently begging him to stop .
Though thats an interesting demand , Ellison said smoothly , since my wifes birth father passed away years ago .
If anyone deserves such a generous sum , it would be him not the stepfather whos trying to sell her off Their faces darkened as his mockery registered .
Only Joycelyn relaxed , recognizing his game .
Ellison seated Joycelyn carefully before taking his own chair , legs crossed elegantly as he surveyed the wolves in their den Youre married ? Iriss shock colored her voice , When ? Yesterday , Joycelyn replied calmly .
How could you be so reckless ? Iriss face paled .
Werent you desperate to many me off ? Joycelyns wire turned to glass Better my choice than being sold like caule All they ever did was manipulate her with guilt , forcing her to endure , give in , and suffer in silence , Looking back now , she could see how her blind devotion to filial duty had been nothing but foolish self sacrifice .
The marriage bombshell left the Mercers reeling .
Marriage is sacred ! Octavia recovered first .
He raised you , even if youre not his own blood .
Getting married without negotiating marriage gift how desperate are you ? Her fury stemined from watching her golden payday evaporate , No house ? No car ? Lyras words dripped venom , Get divorced you cant pay up we wont be cheated ! But she soon 12:54 Mon , Feb 10 Chapter 14 faltered under Ellisons measured gaze , looking away like a coward .
9.47 % 2 True , I own nothing .
Ellison said smoothly .
Luckily , my wife atrepts me .
I bought her a car whats your contribution ? His words detonated like a bomb .
The Mercers exploded in outrage while Iris stared in disbelief at having such an unreasonable son in law .
Her face darkened considerably .
Joycelyn , how could you- Iris began .
Mom , this is who he is , Joycelyn cut her off smoothly .
He may not have money , but he treats me well , so dont worry .
She added with subtle bite , Besides , isnt this what everyone wanted ? Me married off ? Theyre all just here for money anyway , she thought strategically .
Better to let Ellison fight fire with fire .
Never seen a man so damn shameless about living off a woman Phineas spat .
Oh , you cant judge .
Joycelyn cut in .
At least he bought me something .
When have you ever given my mother a gift ? Ellison adjusted Joycelyns disheveled hair , fully embracing his kept man role while the Mercers sputtered , outmaneuvered on every front .
Fine , I wont take it but pay the marriage gift to your mother , one hundred seventy thousand dollars .

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And we wont give anything back in return , Phineas conceded .
Too late .
Im married .
Try selling your own daughter to yesterdays prospect .
Perfect match .
Joycelyn stood , tugging Ellisons hand .
Were done here .
Lets go Ellison rose with innate grace , his aristocratic bearing incongruous in the dingy apartment .
Youd really abandon your mother ? Iris stumbled forward , shoved by her husband .
You made your choice , Mom .
Enjoy your new family Joycelyn marched out without looking back .
We know where you work , Joycelyn ! Phineas shouted as he followed them out .
Pay up , or well make trouble ! Ellisons death glare froze him mid step .
Try it .
Joycelyn pulled Ellison quickly into the elevator , leaving the apament behind After they left , the Mercers faces turned ugly with thwarted greed .
Well make a scene at her office tomorrow , Phineas raged , pounding the sofa .
If she wont pay up , Ill make her life hell .
My Jucks running hot right now I need that capital to win back my losses ! My credit cards are maxed out too , Octavia added anxiously .
I was counting on her money to tide me ever They couldnt let their cash cow escape .
Even if Joycelyn was breaking free , they had to squeeze one last big payment out of her .
Iris sat silently at the edge of the group , not daring to breathe a word In the elevator , Joycelyn sagged like a survivor escaping hell .
Why didnt you tell me you came back here ? Ellison asked .
If he hadnt seen her messages today , and if hed been a moment later … he shuddered to think what these vultures might have done to her.
12:54 Mon , Feb 10 Chapter 14 I didnt want to burden you .
Her gaze fixed on the floor Her treating him like an outsider sparked his anger .
He yanked you trust ? I was afraid … Tears splashed onto polished tile as she trailed of Chapter 14 I didnt want to burden you .
Her gaze fixed on the floor .
BK47 % Her treating him like an outsider sparked his anger .
He yanked his tie loose , frustration evident .
If not me , who else would you trust ? I was afraid … Tears splashed onto polished tile as she trailed off I was afraid my family would disgust you .
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