Chapter 104

Bruce's phone rang; it was Roxanne. He pocketed it, having already decided to end their relationship. A misunderstanding had existed from the start, and there was no reason to prolong it.

Beep, beep, beep! His phone vibrated incessantly.

"Mr. Everett, you're so busy," Joanna sneered, without looking up. "You'd better hurry back to your own work!"

"You're in a hurry to get rid of me, huh?" Bruce retorted. "After I leave, you can seduce other men, right?"

Joanna rolled her eyes. "Bruce, I have no idea what you're thinking. Didn't we agree to have nothing to do with each other after the divorce? You're engaged; you should be with your fiancée."

Two years of marriage had left her deeply hurt; she'd never forgive him. Moving on had been difficult, and there was no going back.

"Joanna, whether or not I have a fiancée doesn't prevent me from being with you," Bruce said.

"So you can date other women, but I can't date other men?" Joanna challenged.

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "You can interpret it that way."

"Hmph, what a unique way of thinking!" Joanna scoffed. "What makes you think I'll agree?"

"It doesn't matter if you agree or not!" Bruce declared. "If you don't, I have plenty of ways to make you agree!"

"Bruce, don't you think that's low and boring?" Joanna asked.

"I don't," he replied.

Bruce would do whatever it took to get what he wanted, even resorting to underhanded tactics. Perhaps his childhood sense of superiority had fostered a spoiled and paranoid personality. He often denied his own desires. Joanna shook her head, returning to her computer.

Bruce stood and approached her. "Joanna, there's still a chance for us." He paused, then added, "I don't even mind you having children with another man, so why are you putting on airs?"

Joanna nearly laughed in anger. "Are you saying I should be grateful for your tolerance?"

Chapter 104

"Shouldn't you?" Bruce pressed.

"Bruce, aren't you too narcissistic?" Joanna asked. "Do you think every woman in Greyport loves you?"

"Isn't that the case?" Bruce said confidently. He'd always been sure of his charm. He was Greyport's richest, handsomest, and youngest man. Shouldn't women adore him?

Joanna choked back her anger.

"Mr. Everett, you seem overly confident," she said. "I suggest you buy a mirror."

"No need," Bruce said. "No man in Greyport is as handsome as me! You should feel honored I'm interested."

Joanna was speechless, uncomfortable, and realizing just how shameless and narcissistic he was. Her initial impression—steady, wise, and noble—had clearly been an illusion. No one in Greyport was more shameless.

Bruce adjusted his tie and approached with a smirk.

"Don't come over," Joanna said. "Say it from there."

His approach made her nervous; yesterday's frightening experience still unsettled her.

"Why?" Bruce asked. "Do you hate me that much?"

Joanna hesitated, unable to say yes, though it was true. She hated his bossiness, control, and ruthlessness.

"Bruce, I'm begging you!" she pleaded. "Please stop. Your behavior is pressuring me."

A flicker of guilt crossed Bruce's face. He had to admit he liked her, perhaps always had, but hadn't wanted to admit it. He'd stubbornly tried to repay a debt of gratitude to Roxanne, fueling his misunderstanding with Joanna and mistreating her. Now, he realized how much he loved Joanna.

Beep, beep, beep! His phone vibrated again—it could only be Roxanne.

Joanna looked at him solemnly. "Bruce, you've hurt me," she said. "Don't hurt Roxanne again."

2/4 Chapter 104

Bruce was stunned.

"In the past, you divorced me to give Roxanne your name," Joanna continued. "Now you're engaged to her and still want a relationship with me! Is that okay?"

Bruce frowned. "Joanna, it was a misunderstanding from the start. I made a mistake. The woman I should have loved is you."

Ten years ago, he'd mistakenly believed Roxanne saved him. Now he knew it was Joanna. Had he known, he never would have pursued Roxanne.

Joanna looked at him incredulously. She wouldn't believe him.

"Bruce, you're funny!" she said. "There's no right or wrong in matters of the heart."

Bruce was shocked. He knew repaying a debt of gratitude with romantic love was old-fashioned, but that's what he'd believed. He was an only child; his grandmother would have been devastated if he'd died. His savior had saved his family, too. He'd felt obligated to love his savior.

"What happened with Roxanne was a misunderstanding," Bruce said. "Roxanne took what was meant for you"

"What you're saying is strange," Joanna said. "I don't know what you're talking about! A misunderstanding with Roxanne, a misunderstanding with me. Can you not use 'misunderstanding' as an excuse?"

She didn't know Roxanne had impersonated Joanna as his savior, nor the emotional turmoil this had caused Bruce.

"Joanna, there was a misunderstanding," Bruce pleaded. "Give me time; now it's cleared up, I'll make you fall in love with me again."

Joanna interrupted. "There is no misunderstanding, and I don't want to know what it is. I want a peaceful life. Don't disturb me!"

"Joanna"

"Please stop talking," Joanna said. "Stay away from me."