Chapter 105

At the Haynes' house, Roxanne called Bruce more than ten times, but received no answer. Ingrid watched anxiously, asking, "How is it? Is the call connecting?"

Roxanne replied dejectedly, "No. Bruce has been refusing to answer my calls."

Ingrid's anxiety increased. "Oh no, this is troublesome. Listen to me, hurry and go to his office to look for him."

"Mom, I don't want to go!" Roxanne protested.

Ingrid's displeasure was evident. "You have to go, even if you don't want to! If you don't want to go alone, I'll go with you! Let's go. Hurry and change your clothes."

Roxanne impatiently pounded the sofa. "Mom, can you not be like this? You're giving me so much pressure! I'm annoyed. Do you understand?"

"I'm worried about you," Ingrid said. "If your marriage with Mr. Everett fails, think about our family's future. How will others view you and the Haynes family?"

Roxanne leaned back on the sofa, feeling helpless and on the verge of a breakdown. Bruce had ignored her; she felt lost and unsure how to win back his affection.

"Get up quickly!" Ingrid snapped. "Why did I give birth to such a useless daughter?"

"Mom, can you leave me alone for a while? I'm under intense mental stress!" Roxanne pleaded.

"No, I can't," Ingrid insisted. "This is critical, and you still lack a sense of urgency!" She grabbed Roxanne's arm, trying to pull her up.

Roxanne pounded her head, glaring at her mother with teary eyes. "Mom, stop forcing me! If you force me again, I'll die in front of you! I'm serious!"

Frightened, Ingrid felt a tightness in her chest and ceased her nagging. Her tone softened. "Alright, alright, alright. I won't force you anymore, okay?" She muttered under her breath, "Sigh, why am I so unlucky to have such a useless daughter?"

Shaun, hearing the argument, came downstairs. "What are you two arguing about again?"

Ingrid rolled her eyes. "What else? Roxanne's marriage," she said. Shaun sighed, "Marriage is predetermined! If they aren't fated, they shouldn't marry. We can afford to support Roxy. There are plenty of young men in Greyport. Why worry?"

Ingrid was instantly enraged. "You make it sound so easy! That's the Everett family! Marrying into the Everetts secures one's future! We're at a crucial juncture, and you're making things worse! What kind of father are you?"

Shaun, fearing Ingrid's wrath, pleaded, "Alright, alright, stop quarreling! Let nature take its course. Don't pressure Roxy. It's not like we're so poor we need her to marry into the Everett family"

Before he finished, Ingrid, hands on her hips, pointed at him. "Hmph, do you really think the Haynes family has a lot of money? We're living off past earnings! You're no longer chairman of the Haynes Group. We've been ousted! Our expenses rely on meager dividends and rent, and our savings. How long can that last? Those rich ladies at banquets no longer talk to me. Only Roxy's engagement will get me back into their circle."

Shaun sighed, "Why are you always so vain? You haven't changed in all these years!"

Ingrid's anger intensified. Pointing at Shaun's head, she said, "Hmph, do you regret it now? I spent half my life with you, birthed your children, and did all the housework! Now you despise me for being old and unattractive! Are you seeing another woman?"

Shaun retreated. "Jeez, what are you talking about? I'm old, you know?"

"Hmph, men, as long as you can breathe, you think about women!" Ingrid retorted. "Don't pretend I don't know. You're fooling around!"

Annoyed, Roxanne shouted, "Dad, Mom, stop arguing!"

Ingrid lowered her voice. "It's all because of that damn Joanna! If she hadn't come back, we wouldn't have these problems! She's the bane of our family! I told you to disown her, but you refused!"

Shaun slammed the table. "You're doing it again! Joanna is my daughter! That can't change! Even if I disowned her, she's still my daughter."

Ingrid stomped her foot. "Mr. Everett ignores Roxy. Maybe he's with that despicable Joanna! Call your good daughter! Warn her to stay away from Mr. Everett!"

Shaun, terrified, said, "I'm scared of you!"

"What are you waiting for?" Ingrid demanded. "Call her! Don't forget she seduced Bruce six years ago!"

"Stop accusing Joanna," Shaun said. "What happened six years ago wasn't because of Joanna!"

"Why wasn't it?" Ingrid insisted. "If not for her, would Roxy's marriage be delayed?"

Shaun, dejected, couldn't argue. Ingrid pressed, "Hubby, if Roxy and Mr. Everett's marriage fails, what will you do? Call Joanna!!"

Roxanne, unable to bear it, said, "Do whatever you want. I'm going upstairs!" and ran upstairs. Shaun reluctantly called Joanna.

The phone rang in Joanna's office, where she was arguing with Bruce. She answered, "Hello, Dad, what's wrong?"

Shaun sighed. "I need to talk to you."

Joanna was stunned. "Dad, what's wrong? Just say it!"

"Did you meet Bruce these past few days?" Shaun asked.

Joanna was speechless, glancing involuntarily at Bruce, who overheard.

"Why aren't you talking? Did you meet him?" Shaun pressed.

Joanna hesitated. Shaun continued, "Roxy can't eat or sleep; she's lost weight. My heart aches for her."

"So?" Joanna replied.

Shaun sighed. "Roxy has depression and can't handle more stress. You're resilient, but don't get too close to Bruce."

Joanna began to say, "Dad, I don't want to get too close to him either" but Bruce snatched the phone. "Hello! It's me!"

Shaun was stunned, looking at Ingrid. "Bruce, are you with Joanna?"

"Yes!" Bruce confirmed.

Shaun was speechless. Ingrid's eyes widened; she held her breath.

"Bruce, what's wrong?" Shaun asked.

"Sorry," Bruce said. "Roxanne and I"

Joanna tugged at his sleeve, urging him not to say more. Bruce hesitated, considering Roxanne's depression and recent self-harm.

"It's nothing," Bruce said. "Joanna and I were discussing work."

Shaun was relieved. "Oh. Everything's fine between you and Roxy?"

Bruce paused. "Tell Roxy I'll pick her up for dinner tonight. I have something to tell her."

"Oh, sure!" Shaun replied.

Bruce hung up.

"How is it?" Ingrid asked. "Is Bruce with that bitch Joanna?"

"They were discussing work," Shaun said. "You're overthinking."

"Discussing work?" Ingrid scoffed. "A man and a woman discussing work? I don't believe that! That bitch Joanna must be seducing him again!"

Shaun frowned. "Let's not talk. Bruce said he'll have dinner with Roxy tonight!"

"Really?" Ingrid said. "Then I'll urge Roxy to dress up!" She rushed upstairs. "Roxy, open the door! Mr. Everett said he's picking you up for dinner. Get dressed!"

Roxanne replied impatiently, "Mom, stop annoying me!"

"It's true!" Ingrid insisted. "Hurry! You look terrible! You'll scare people!"

In the office, Bruce returned the phone to Joanna. Joanna said, "Bruce, let's not be entangled anymore"

Before she finished, Bruce pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Joanna pushed him away, frightened. Fortunately, he only kissed her.

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