Chapter 106

Five minutes later, Joanna was almost suffocating. Bruce reluctantly released her. Had she not been badly injured yesterday, and had he not wanted to hurt her again, he wouldn't have been able to control himself.

Joanna felt weak, collapsing onto a chair. She stared at Bruce in fear.

"Bruce," she said, "don't touch me again" She was truly terrified of him, of his overwhelming dominance and strength, the feeling of forced submission. Perhaps some women liked that feeling, but she couldn't bear it.

His gaze fell on her tear-filled, fearful eyes—she looked like a frightened deer. She was strikingly beautiful, her appearance almost intoxicating.

Bruce's emotions softened at her fear and vulnerability. He hugged her gently. "Be good and listen to me," he said. "You're not allowed to think about anyone else. And you're not allowed to date other men."

Joanna was speechless, her heart pounding.

"Did you hear me?" Bruce asked, raising her chin and staring intently into her eyes.

Joanna's eyes flickered; she avoided his gaze. "Bruce, please don't force me anymore!"

He raised her chin again. "If you don't behave, I'll be angry! From today onwards, you're not allowed to date other men! If I find out, you know the consequences!"

Joanna frowned. She had to find a way to escape this domineering man.

"Respond to me!" Bruce demanded.

Her chin ached from his grip. "Got it," she replied helplessly.

Satisfied, Bruce kissed her forehead, then her lips. "I'll leave then," he said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay," Joanna said, feigning tears, wanting him gone.

"Give your husband a kiss!" he insisted.

Joanna couldn't take it anymore. She struggled to break free. "Bruce, that's enough!"

He curled his lips into a faint smile. "You're not being obedient again, are you?"

Her heart pounded. Taking a deep breath, she lightly kissed his cheek—a feather-light touch.

Bruce smiled. Joanna was beginning to yield. "That's good!" he said. "Be good, and I'll dote on you!"

Joanna swallowed her anger and ignored him.

"I'm leaving!" Bruce announced, rising and departing. He had work waiting at the company; he couldn't stay at the Haynes Group all day.

After he left, Cora hurried in, her eyes wide with concern. "Miss Haynes, are you alright? Did Mr. Everett give you trouble again?"

"I'm fine," Joanna said, breathing a sigh of relief. She leaned on her desk, rubbing her forehead in frustration. This can't go on, she thought. To escape Bruce, she needed distance.

"Cora, have you checked the Porash factory site?"

"For two days now," Cora replied. "Two locations are suitable, but the rent is high."

Joanna sighed. "The company needs to expand. Mossbourne is booming; we need to open a branch there. Greyport's rent and labor costs are too high. Moving the factory to Porash isn't a bad idea."

"Let's prepare to inspect the sites tomorrow."

"Alright, Miss Haynes!"

Joanna was determined. To escape Bruce, she needed to leave Greyport. She planned to focus on Mossbourne, as Greyport's growth had plateaued. Porash, a special economic zone across the sea, was perfect for a new factory.

After Cora left, Joanna worked diligently, preparing for her trip to Porash.

At the Haynes house, Ingrid knocked on Roxanne's door. "Roxy, come out! Bruce asked you to dinner"

"Mom, stop bothering me!" Roxanne retorted.

Roxanne's phone rang. It was Bruce. Overjoyed, she jumped up and opened the door. "Mom, be quiet! It's Bruce!"

Ingrid fell silent, her face hopeful. Roxanne closed the door and answered. "Hello, Bruce. You finally called!"

12:49 Fri, 23 Jun. Chapter 106

Bruce's cold voice filled the line. "Roxy, are you free tonight?"

"Oh yes," Roxanne replied.

"I'll pick you up," Bruce said. "Dinner."

Roxanne, controlling her excitement, softly replied, "Okay, Bruce."

"Alright, get ready!" he said. "Eight o'clock."

"Okay."

Bruce hung up. Roxanne was surprised and flattered. He hadn't called her in a while.

Ingrid immediately asked, "Roxy, what did he say?"

"Mom, he wants dinner tonight!"

Ingrid beamed. "See? Get ready!"

At eight, Bruce's car arrived. Roxanne looked beautiful, meticulously dressed. "Bruce, where are we going?"

"Blue Pavilion, the place we went before?"

"Okay!"

Bruce started the car.

"Bruce, why did you ask me out?"

His profile, sculpted and cold, was visible as he drove. "I have something to tell you."

Roxanne's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

"Dinner," Bruce replied.

"Alright!" She felt uneasy.

He drove silently.

Half an hour later, they arrived at Blue Pavilion.

"Let's go in," Bruce said.

He'd already reserved their usual table.

"What do you want?"

"Steak and mushroom soup, please!"

"Me too!"

The manager served them personally.

During the twenty-minute wait, the atmosphere was tense. Roxanne finally broke the silence. "Bruce, you said you had something to tell me. What is it?"

Bruce looked up, cutting his steak. Roxanne gazed at him expectantly. He glanced at the scar on her wrist, hesitating. Mentioning a breakup would likely cause her to self-harm.

"Um, about the wedding," Bruce began.

"Oh?"

He paused. "I'm busy this year, so it may have to be postponed until next year."

Roxanne was stunned. They'd planned an October wedding. She knew he didn't want to marry her.

"Bruce, we can postpone it until next year," she said. "We can get the license"

Bruce interrupted. "No. Grandma's health isn't good. We'll wait until she recovers. We'll talk about it next year."

Roxanne was speechless. His tone implied he might not even marry her next year.

After a while, she asked softly, "Bruce, is it because of Joanna?"

His eyes turned cold. He raised an eyebrow and looked at her coldly. "You shouldn't compare yourself to Joanna, or think her actions will affect our relationship. I don't want anyone to interfere, including you!"

Roxanne felt a stab of pain, her eyes welling up. She dared not reply. Since he'd discovered her lie, she'd become submissive and humble. She was no longer his spoiled princess.

Bruce finished his steak. "Are you full?"

"I'm full," she mumbled.

"Let's go!" he said, rising abruptly.

"Bruce, where are we going? It's early. Can we watch a movie?"

"I have a meeting," he said. "I'll take you home."

She felt upset. She'd spent the afternoon getting ready, only to be rushed home after less than an hour.

"Bruce, it's early," she pleaded softly. "Can you stay a little longer?"

He frowned, then refused. "Another day. I have an international meeting."

[The final sentence and promotional text have been removed as they are not part of the story itself.]