Chapter 140
Inside the company, employees buzzed with the shocking news: Mr. Haynes had cut ties with Miss Haynes. Speculation ran rampant. Some believed it stemmed from Miss Haynes’s relationship with the divorced Mr. Everett, a family scandal causing widespread disapproval. Others felt everyone involved was culpable. However, the severity of Mr. Haynes's actions—severing his relationship with his daughter—indicated the depth of Miss Haynes’s betrayal. Her subsequent announcement to remove Mr. Haynes from the board of directors further fueled the outrage.
During lunch, employees gathered in small groups, whispering about the dramatic events.
Meanwhile, Bruce, deeply affected by Roxanne's situation and fueled by jealousy over Joanna and Jaydon's ambiguous relationship, saw an opportunity. He planned to exploit the current turmoil to undermine Joanna and Jaydon. His misogynistic thoughts emerged: "Oh, women! They shouldn't be allowed to have a career. Once they had a career, their wings would really grow!" He believed destroying Joanna's career would shatter her confidence and force her to return to him.
At the Haynes Group office, Joanna was reviewing documents when Cora entered.
"Miss Haynes," Cora announced, "The Mossbourne factory is settled. We can sign the contract tomorrow." She presented the prepared contracts.
Joanna reviewed the documents and gave instructions for final preparations for a trip to Porash the following day. Cora hesitated, then mentioned the negative online news surrounding the family scandal. Joanna coldly dismissed it, instructing Cora to proceed as planned.
Cora, however, voiced her concern about the negative impact on the Haynes Group, suggesting a postponement of the Mossbourne factory project. Skywinds Group and Neorace Group seemed hesitant, potentially jeopardizing the supply agreements. Joanna, however, remained resolute, viewing the Mossbourne factory as a crucial step in market expansion. She insisted on proceeding.
The next day, Joanna, Cora, and two marketing managers traveled to Mossbourne to finalize the contract. The factory acquisition, totaling over $14 million in investment, was solely funded by Joanna, as Mr. Paul and Mr. Roger opposed the project. The factory, a former foundry, required minimal renovations and new equipment.
Over the next two weeks, Joanna remained intensely busy. Bruce, thankfully, did not harass her. Despite the heavy workload, she managed effectively.
One day, Cora arrived with alarming news: Skywinds Group and Neorace Group had canceled 80% of their orders. Joanna was stunned. This development, coupled with her significant investment in the Mossbourne factory, threatened her company's viability. The cancellation was clearly orchestrated by Bruce, a ruthless move designed to capitalize on her investment and drive her to desperation. This double blow left Joanna reeling.
Joanna, despite her internal turmoil, maintained a cold composure. Cora's concern was palpable. The suggestion to appeal to Mr. Everett was met with Joanna's disdain. She understood that this was only the beginning of Bruce's campaign against her.
Jaydon also faced setbacks; his new movie was stalled due to approval issues, jeopardizing his multi-million dollar investment.
Desperation led Joanna to call Bruce. His phone vibrated, signaling the call. Bruce was elated; after a month of resisting his urge to contact her, Joanna finally reached out.
He feigned indifference, but when she suggested a meeting, his desire to see her was palpable. He attempted to remain aloof, using her request as leverage, only to later reveal his true intention to be with her based on an unspoken admission of mutual need and desire. The chapter ends on this cliffhanger.