Chapter 96
“Dr. Mason, you didn’t get to drink the coffee you made earlier,” Joycelyn said with a warm smile, unaffected by Leah’s subtle attempts to provoke. “How about I make you some watermelon juice to cool you down?”
She thought to herself, I am indeed married to Ellison, but I haven’t lost myself in love. Leah is too eager, trying to provoke me with double-edged words. It’s almost laughable.
“Mrs. Grant, I’m just reminding you out of kindness,” Leah responded, her tone laced with passive-aggressive concern. “You come from an average family. Other than being somewhat good-looking, you have no other strengths. Eventually, even a perfect man will get tired of you.”
Joycelyn, unfazed by Leah’s words, caressed Rocky gently as she looked back at Leah. “Thank you for the compliment,” she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “But let me ask you this, Dr. Mason. Take a guess why Ellison chose to marry me and not one of the heiresses or socialites?”
Leah’s curiosity was piqued, and her brow furrowed slightly. “Why?” she asked, her tone now more inquisitive than before.
Joycelyn’s smile deepened, a subtle hint of mischief dancing in her eyes as she replied, “Take a guess.”
Leah’s frown deepened, her irritation beginning to show. She’s toying with me, Leah thought, frustration bubbling within her.
Joycelyn placed Rocky, now well-fed, back into the large dog crate and closed the door. Standing up, she addressed Leah with a calm tone, “Dr. Mason, we’ll have dinner soon. If there’s anything else, we can talk while we eat.”
Ellison, having just finished washing his hands, overheard this and approached them. “What were you two talking about?” he asked, his gaze sharp.
“We were discussing some health-related matters,” Joycelyn replied smoothly, elongating her words. Just as she spoke, Leah immediately stood and cut in, “We talked about improving health, especially if Mrs. Grant is considering having children. It’s important to take steps to ensure her body is in good condition.”
Leah’s smile remained gentle, but it was clear she was deliberately bringing up the topic again. If Ellison truly loves her, he’d want children, Leah thought. After all, he’s the only son, and with the Grant Group being so large, Isolde will certainly expect heirs.
Joycelyn glanced at Leah, her smile never wavering as she replied, “Dr. Mason, are you scared? Aren’t you curious why Ellison married me and not someone else? You can ask him yourself.”
Ellison’s blue eyes narrowed slightly, his expression growing more intense.
Leah’s heart skipped a beat at his gaze, her breath catching in her throat. She quickly composed herself, smiling and saying, “Mrs. Grant, I just wanted to have a celebratory drink for your joyous occasion. I couldn’t help but ask a few more questions. If I’ve offended you, I apologize.”
Joycelyn, still smiling, responded, “Dr. Mason, you’re very enthusiastic, always showing concern for me and Ellison. I truly appreciate your kindness.” She then turned to Ellison and asked, “Dinner should be ready soon, right?”
“It’s coming soon,” Ellison answered. “If you’re hungry, have a snack to hold you over.” He took Joycelyn’s hand and guided her toward the sink. “Wash your hands, you touched the dog earlier.”
“Got it.” Joycelyn obediently squeezed a generous amount of soap and began washing her hands.
Leah, left standing there, felt out of place, her smile faltering as she realized she was being ignored.
After Joycelyn finished washing her hands, Ellison, now standing beside her, turned his attention back to Leah. “After dinner, I’ll make her leave. I don’t like having outsiders in my home,” he said, his voice carrying an unmistakable finality. Despite his CEO persona, in this moment, he transformed into the perfect, protective husband.
Joycelyn looked up at him, her lips curling into a playful smile. “You’re too charming. Any woman would like you.”
Ellison, lowering his voice, asked with a hint of seriousness in his blue eyes, “What about you?”
“I… like you,” Joycelyn replied quickly, her response almost automatic. “You’re tall, handsome, and capable. Who wouldn’t like you?”
Her answer came so swiftly that it almost seemed dismissive, causing Ellison to cross his arms and stand patiently beside her, watching her wash her hands. There was an air of dominance in his stance, as though he were waiting for her to admit something more.
Halfway through washing her hands, Joycelyn tilted her head and asked with feigned innocence, “Mr. Grant, could it be that you’re smitten by me?”
Ellison, who had been watching her hands, immediately turned his gaze away, his expression hardening. “Young lady, you’re quite full of yourself,” he replied, though there was a slight edge to his words. Holding power had made him unyielding, and he wasn’t about to show vulnerability.
Joycelyn smiled at his reaction, her voice playful as she teased, “Well, that’s exactly my point. You don’t love me, so why do you expect me to love you?”
Ellison’s expression immediately darkened, but Joycelyn only smiled more brightly, completely unbothered.
As they finished, William and the restaurant staff brought in the freshly prepared food, and the family dinner officially began.
Dinner was exquisite, though Joycelyn felt slightly restrained with Leah’s presence, keeping her words to a minimum.
Leah, on the other hand, appeared to focus entirely on Isolde, behaving as a considerate granddaughter-in-law, which made Joycelyn feel even more distant.
After dinner, Ellison saw Leah put down her fork and immediately said, “It’s dark now. It’s not safe for a woman to go home alone. William, please send Dr. Mason back. Dr. Mason, if you need, your brother can come pick you up.”
Leah, though slightly taken aback, handled the situation gracefully. “Then I’ll have to trouble William to send me home. It’s getting late, and I need to report to my brother.”
Ellison nodded and called William to arrange her ride.
Leah stood up, preparing to leave. “I’ll head back now. Isolde, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll keep my phone on.”
Once Leah left, Isolde turned to Ellison and Joycelyn. “Have you two decided on a wedding date yet? Have you taken your wedding photos? I know you have to keep it a secret, but there are still things to consider.”
Joycelyn, feeling anxious, could only look to Ellison for an answer, hoping he would handle it.
To her surprise, Ellison nodded and replied, “The customized wedding dress hasn’t arrived yet. We’ll take the wedding photos at the end of the month.”
Joycelyn felt her anxiety rise. The time is so tight! she thought. If this gets out, I’m finished.
She had many concerns, but she couldn’t voice them aloud.
“Alright, since you’ve already decided, I won’t ask further,” Isolde said with a smile. “I’ll head back to the hospital tonight. I won’t get in the way of you two building your relationship.”
She chuckled, pleased with herself. I’ll give them some space. Maybe soon they’ll have a little one for me to take care of.
Joycelyn quickly called out to Isolde, “Isolde, stay here tonight.” She thought, If she leaves, Ellison will certainly seal the account for the week. I won’t be able to get out of bed tomorrow. Just thinking about it makes my back and legs ache. I must make Isolde stay.
