Chapter 3 Chapter 3 현로 48 °C Last night Selene began , but Joycelyn swiftly stepped forward , cutting her off with a sincere nod to Ellison .
Thank you for finding my phone , Mr.
Grant , she interjected smoothly .
Those documents in my phone are irreplaceable .
I cant tell you how grateful I am .
Joycelyns matter of fact attitude and effusive thanks over a men phone made Selenes words die in her throat as she stared in confusion .
Just a small matter , Ellison murmured , his gaze flickering momentarily .
We shouldnt keep you from your meal .
Please , go ahead , Mr.
Grant .
Joycelyn tugged Selene aside , her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes .
Her gaze locked with his , silently pleading for his discretion .
After several long beats of eye contact , he moved toward the dining table without another word .
Only when his group had passed did Joycelyn release her breath her body damp with nervous sweat from those few tense moments .
Selene had intended to gossip , but she found herself completely captivated by Ellisons charm .
God , hes even more stunning up close , she sighed , watching him go .
Any woman who lands him must have been born under a lucky star A genuine laugh escaped Joycelyn .
If your parents knew what was going on in your head , theyd probably blow a gasket Whatever .
Selene rolled her eyes .
Lets eat .
I need to get home to my man .
Relief washed over Joycelyn as her food loving friend got distracted by the arriving dishes , dropping all questions about the previous night .
The retreat ended after lunch .
While executives took their luxury cars , staff boarded the company bus .
From her window seat , Joycelyns thoughts drifted until Selenes squeal snapped her attention forward .
Look ! Mr.
Grants Rolls Royce is incredible .
Selene pressed her face to the glass .
Why couldnt I be so lucky ? I wouldnt mind snagging a guy that hot and rich ! Studying the million dollar vehicle , Joycelyn felt the stark divide between their worlds .
Her phone buzzed insistently with messages from her mother .
Before the retreat , her family had attempted to set her up with a short , older man offering a hundred thousand dollar engagement gift .
Shed refused , hoping it would blow over like previous matchmaking attempts .
Instead , the marriage pressure had only intensified .

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To delay the inevitable confrontation , Joycelyn haunted the library until well past 10 PM before finally heading home .
Taking a steadying breath outside her door , she turned the key .
The scene inside stopped her cold her belongings strewn across the floor while her mother Iris Mercer wept on the couch Who threw my things ? Joycelyns fists clenched at her sides Look who finally graced us with her presence , her stepsister Olivia Mercer drawled without looking up from her game .
Joycelyns stepfather Phineas Mercer immediately threw down as cigarette on the balcony and stormed in , his palm 12:52 Mon , Feb 10 0 Chapter 3 cracking across her face .
w 2 % 48 % 4 We raised you .
and this is how you repay us ? he roared .
We found you a good match with a generous offer , and you stood him up .
Where were you ? Out whoring around until this hour ? Only her mothers intervention prevented a second blow .
The lush slap left Joycelyns cheek throbbing , her eyes wide with disbelief .
For years , shed endured their abuse and insults , surrendering most of her salary to support them while subsisting on a few hundred dollars a month .
Her dutiful sacrifice had earned her nothing but an attempt to sell her off like cattle .
Something inside her snapped .
She swung her bag at his face with all her strength .
How dare you hit me ! Not even my real parents raised a hand to me ! Your fathers dead ! Phineas stumbled back , spitting the words .
m your father now .
If I hadnt pitied you and your mother , I wouldnt have taken in such worthless burdens .
You dare? Ice crystallized in Joycelyns voice as she stood tall , unflinching .
I worked my way through college with loans and part time jobs .
My mother works herself to exhaustion supporting you .
Whos the real burden here ? Her entire frame vibrated with rage .
You manipulated my mother into signing over my fathers house .
Youd be on the street without us ! The fury in her eyes promised retribution for every moment of suffering hed caused .
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