Chapter 141

Joanna Haynes’s rage exploded the moment she heard Bruce Everett’s words. "Bruce Everett, what is your problem?"

"Heh, you're the one who called me, not the other way around!"

"With that attitude, there's no need for us to meet!" Bruce hung up.

He was confident—very confident—that Joanna would call back.

Joanna’s exasperated "Hello, hello" was met only with a busy signal. Beep, beep, beep!

Bruce's phone vibrated. After he'd hung up, Joanna’s anger turned her face purple. She immediately redialed.

Seeing her number, Bruce smirked. He'd known she'd call back. Beep, beep, beep! His phone vibrated repeatedly, but he ignored it, wanting to keep her in suspense.

Soon, a familiar automated voice announced, "The number you have dialed is temporarily unavailable"

Joanna pushed back stray hair before texting Bruce: "Answer the phone right now! I have something to ask you!"

A hint of mockery played on Bruce's handsome face as he read the text. He could tell she was anxious, and panic would make her easier to manipulate.

Beep, beep, beep! Joanna’s third call arrived swiftly. After his phone vibrated for a while, Bruce answered just as the call was about to end.

"Hello! Speak!"

Joanna took a deep breath, suppressing her anger. "Bruce Everett, what exactly do you want?"

"What do you want?" he countered.

"Where are you? I need to see you!" Her tone was cold.

Bruce chuckled mockingly. "Should I see you just because you need to see me?"

"Who do you think you are?"

"Fine, let's talk," he conceded. "What about the Neorace Group and the Skywinds Group? Don't you think your actions were despicable?"

Bruce snorted. "I told you, I'm not interested in talking about work!"

"Then I'm hanging up!" Joanna threatened.

Her anger pierced her heart. Her hand trembled. "Bruce Everett, can you not be—"

"Then what do you want me to do?" His amorous, nasal voice was heavy.

"I need to meet you!"

"Give me a reason."

"I just need to see you!"

Bruce smiled playfully. "Perhaps I'll consider it if you change 'need' to 'want'!"

Joanna exhaled, controlling her anger. "I want to see you!"

"How much do you want it?" His teasing was infuriating.

She finally snapped. "Are you crazy?"

"Yes, a clever girl! You know I'm crazy!"

Her patience exhausted, she declared, "Are you meeting me or not? If not, forget it!"

"Is that the attitude of someone wanting to meet?" he retorted. "I might agree if you were nicer."

Joanna closed her eyes, calming herself. She softened her voice. "Mr. Everett, I want to see you. Is that okay?"

Bruce smiled, but his tone was cold. "Come to my office at three this afternoon."

"Somewhere else?" Joanna preferred a public place. She didn't want to be alone with him.

"No. My office," he insisted. "3:00 to 3:30. If you're late, you get no time."

Joanna gritted her teeth. This man was truly evil.

"Fine, three o'clock," she agreed.

"Excellent. I'll be waiting," Bruce said before hanging up.

He felt inexplicably excited, his blood thrumming. They hadn't seen each other in a month, and his body yearned for her more than his heart.

At three o'clock sharp, Joanna arrived at the Everett Group.

The receptionist greeted her professionally. "Hello! Appointment?"

Joanna, controlling her emotions, replied, "With Mr. Everett."

"Right this way!" The receptionist led her to the elevator, swiping a card to access Bruce's floor. "Ms. Haynes, please come in."

"Thank you," Joanna replied.

Half a minute later, the elevator reached Bruce's floor. The receptionist directed Joanna to the secretary, Andy, who was waiting. "Hello, Ms. Haynes! Please follow me!"

Three minutes later, they arrived at Bruce's office door. Andy led her through a fitness area and an administrative office. "Mr. Everett is in. You can go in, Ms. Haynes!"

"Thank you!"

"You're welcome!" Andy left.

Joanna stared. This wasn't an office; it was enormous—it even had a mini golf course! Though she'd known Bruce for years, this was her first time inside. She opened the door and stepped inside.

The office was huge. She could barely see the far end. As she walked, Bruce's voice called out, "Coming!" He'd been watching her on surveillance since she entered the building.

"Alright!" Joanna replied.

She saw Bruce behind his long desk, legs propped up, leaning back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Joanna was professionally dressed—a white blouse, suit, trousers, and black-framed glasses. Her hair was loosely styled, and she wore no makeup, yet her natural beauty shone through.

"Have a seat," Bruce smirked. He disliked her old-fashioned attire. She always wore black and white business suits when they were alone, cold and distant. But when she met Jaydon Grimm, she dressed meticulously and femininely, much to Bruce's displeasure.

Joanna remained standing. "Bruce Everett, what do you want?"

Bruce lowered his legs and raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? I haven't done anything."

Joanna's face tightened. "Skywinds and Neorace canceled their orders with the Haynes Group. You're behind this, aren't you?"

Bruce paused, then stood. "Heh, you said it yourself. Fair competition! Besides, Skywinds and Neorace were originally working with the Everett Group!"

"You maliciously lowered prices and poached them! You spoiled the market!" she accused.

"Unfortunately for you, they're back now," Bruce said smoothly, hiding his smugness. He poured two glasses of red wine.

Joanna's face darkened. "Then why wait until I built the factory in Mossbourne to cancel the orders?"

Bruce approached her with the wine. "Heh, so what's your plan? Have you discussed it with me?"

"Bruce Everett, you're despicable!"

He offered her a glass. "Yes, I am. Have some wine. Don't be so angry! We haven't seen each other in a month, and you're this angry. Looks like you need help cooling down!"

"Get lost!" Joanna stepped back, refusing the wine.

"Fine. I won't touch you. You wanted to see me so badly. What exactly do you want? Are you only here to question me?" His mocking smile deepened.