Chapter 135 Joycelyn's petite, fair face was filled with quiet frustration as she tried to free her hand from Ellison's firm grip. The disdain in her expression was undeniable. Ellison chuckled softly, his low voice resonating like a gentle hug in the air. "Careful, there are steps. Take it slow." Ellison kept her hand firmly in his, his grip steady yet teasing, as they strolled toward the cruise ship together. As they walked, his fingers toyed with hers in a subtle, almost playful manner, as if their earlier exchange had been nothing more than an intimate joke shared between a married couple. The attendants deeply bowed as the duo approached the steps, welcoming them onboard. Ellison's demeanor seamlessly shifted back to his usual calm and commanding presence, radiating an air of quiet authority. Draped in a perfectly tailored black suit that fluttered subtly in the cool breeze, Ellison exuded an aura of refined elegance and noble restraint Yet beneath the polished exterior lingered an undeniable edge of roguish charm, a captivating fusion of sophistication and mischief that was as alluring as it was disarming. Earlier, Lucy had advised her with a sly smile, "Men can be beast in bed, and that's just their nature. As long as they're gentle and considerate, it's nothing to worry about." Joycelyn had to admit that Ellison was thoughtful, attentive, and undeniably responsible in bed. 'Perhaps his constant cheeky remarks weren't worth getting worked up over, she thought. “Are you tired?" Ellison asked as they climbed the steps. “Not really," Joycelyn replied. Ellison smiled faintly, his lips curving ever so slightly. "A hot bath later will help you relax. The flight must have been tiring. His voice, deep and smooth with a husky edge, seemed almost hypnotic. It was the kind of voice people joked about-one that could make someone fall for him on sound alone. Joycelyn's mind raced as she replayed the events on the plane. Elison's tone was subtle yet suggestive, making her question whether his words were truly innocent. "What's so funny?" Joycelyn shot back, her rare defiance laced with embarrassment. Joycelyn wouldn't have dared to respond so boldly if she hadn't felt that he was deliberately bringing up the flight. As his subordinate, she was acutely aware of the disparity in their statuses. While she could occasionally indulge in acting spoiled around him, she'd never forgotten her places Ellison raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "You, of course," he teased. "What's funny about me?" Flustered and embarrassed, Joycelyn puffed out her cheeks and glared at him. But she faltered when her eyes met his gaze, quickly looking away. "Go ahead, laugh if you want,” she muttered, huffing softly. Though inwardly, she couldn't help but admire how effortlessly charming Ellison looked when he smiled. 11:23 Mon, Feb 17 Chapter 135:35% Ellison smiled upon seeing her so different from the poised professional she was at work. Here, she seemed so endearing and innocent, almost childlike. “Let's get smotion sickness patches on you before we head out, Ellison said, pausing to take two from a waiting attendant. "Lift your hair, he instructed. "I'll do it myself," Joycelyn replied, instinctively reaching for the patches. She glanced around as if concerned they might run into someone they knew. "You won't apply it correctly." Ellison said, guiding her toward the presidential suite. "Relax. We're abroad, so it's safe here," he reassured her in a calm, low voice, making it hard to argue. Joycelyn knew he was right. With his authority, no one would dare oppose him. From the moment they boarded, every crew member had bowed deferentially, avoiding even a stray glance their direction. She didn't refuse him out of concern about being seen. Her ears were extremely sensitive, and she would react intensely to even the lightest touch. "I don't get car sick, so I doubt I'll get seasick, Joycelyn muttered brushing her hair aside. "The cruise will take hours. If you start feeling sick, we'll have to call the doctor for an injection." Ellison countered matter-of-factly. Joycelyn sighed as she reluctantly tilted her head, gathering her air to one side. "Fine. Let's just get it over with." Ellison unwrapped a patch and handed her the empty packaging His long, elegant fingers peeled the backing off the patch as he leaned in close. His warm breath tickled her car, and when his fingertips brushed her earlobe, Joycelyn shivered involuntarily. It felt like fireworks had exploded in her mind. "W-Why are you pinching my ear? Just put the patch on," Joycelyn stammered, her voice trembling as she instinctively held her breath. "You were leaning too far away. I had to do it to get the patch in the right place, Ellison replied, utterly nonchalant. "Just ccloser to me." Joycelyn's heart pounded as she glanced at him nervously, wondering how something so simple could feel so intimate. "Just hurry up," Joycelyn mumbled, biting her lip as she inched closer. "Stop breathing so heavily," Ellison murmured, his voice a low rumble against her ear. "I'm not," Joycelyn snapped, flustered, struggling to suppress the urge to kick him. Fortunately, they were still out on the deck, and the sea breeze offered a slight relief, helping to cool her heated skin. Ellison worked quickly and applied the patch, but Joycelyn's heightened sensitivity amplified every touch on her skin. With a smirk, Ellison leaned in closer, moving to her other ear to apply another patch. "I know your body better than you. do," he teased, his voice low and teasing. "Every t1 touch your ear, you either gasp or start breathing heavily." Joycelyn flushed, her heart racing, but she felt relief as Ellison quickly applied the patch behind her ears without continuing Mon, Chapter 115 his teasing. 35% As soon as Ellison was done applying the patches, Joycelyn looked around the deck, desperate for a distraction. "This ship is Her awkward attempt at changing the subject made Ellison chuckle. He then opened the door to the presidential suite and gestured for her to enter. "The wind's strong outside. Let's enjoy the view from here." It was Joycelyn's first taboard a private cruise, and she wandered through the suite like an intrigued child, marveling at every luxurious detail. "Wow, it's stunning. I bet the view during the day is just as breathtaking," Joycelyn exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. Her mind drifted to the crowded buses she once squeezed onto every day. She couldn't believe she was now aboard a private cruise, experiencing such luxury. It felt almost unreal, like a dream she never thought would ctrue. "I'll ask the captain to slow down so we can catch the sunrise before we dock," Ellison said. “Can we really do that?" Joycelyn asked, her voice filled with excitement. "Of course," Ellison replied, pulling out his phone and dialing William to give the instructions. The suite was breathtaking, with walls of windows that spanned Half the room, offering a panoramic view of the serene sea The water's surface shimmered, glistening like liquid starlight. Joycelyn stepped into the bedroom, her eyes widening as she closed the door behind her. "Wow, what a ragnificent room," she breathed, taking it all in In the center of the room stood a large round bed surrounded by rose petals scattered across the floor. Even the bathtub was filled with delicate blooms. Joycelyn wandered around, her eyes wide with awe as she took in every detail, much like a captivated child. "Look up," Ellison said, approaching her and pointing toward the ceiling. Following his gesture, Joycelyn looked at the glass panel above, revealing a breathtaking starry sky view. “Wow, the stars are incredible,” Joycelyn murmured, gazing at the night sky where countless brilliant stars twinkled like droplets of water cascading from a waterfall, coming together to form a dazzling, luminous Milky Way. Still captivated by the mesmerizing view, Joycelyn didn't notice Ellison by the bathtub, effortlessly unbuttoning his shirt- with practiced ease. “If I'd known you preferred this kind of atmosphere, Ellison said his voice calm and smooth, I would've held back on the plane." His words snapped Joycelyn out of her reverie, reminding her of the playful teasing he had subjected her to earlier on plane. Joycelyn flashed a sweet smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. That's fine." the 11:23 Mon, Feb 17 | Chapter 135 Ellison's gaze darkened, and he raised an eyebrow at her words, dangerous glint flickering in his eyes. 1635% "Even if you lack stamina in that area, I wouldn't mind," Joycelyn eased, stepping back slowly, her smile lingering. "Chere and say that again." Ellison commanded, his tone low and threatening as he pointed to the space before him.