Chapter 142

Joanna Haynes inhaled sharply. Her eyes blazing, she pleaded, "Can't you stop suppressing the Haynes Group covertly?"

"What are you saying? We're all businessmen here; there's no such thing as suppression!"

"Besides," he continued, "you said it yourself. It's the client's freedom to choose who they work with! Therefore, you should be questioning the Skywinds and Neorace Groups, not me!"

Joanna choked back a furious retort. "Fine! You win! I'm done!"

Bruce Everett swirled his wine glass, took a sip of the red wine, and smiled wickedly at Joanna. He'd been in business since fifteen; years of experience had honed him into a cunning businessman. It was foolish of her to think she could oppose him. She'd vastly overestimated herself; he could crush her with a flick of his fingers.

"This red wine isn't bad. Have a taste," Bruce offered, pushing the glass toward Joanna.

She refused. Taking two deep breaths, she said angrily, "Bruce Everett, do what you want to me, but don't involve others!"

Bruce looked up, understanding she meant Jaydon Grimm. "Who else have I involved?" He placed his wine glass on the table and subconsciously loosened his tie.

Joanna sneered. "Someone reported Jay's film company for tax evasion. You sent someone to instigate it, right?"

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Hmph, do you think I'm that bored?"

The question was rhetorical. Besides him, who else could it be?

"And you sabotaged the film Jay was working on, preventing its release, right?" Joanna knew Bruce's personality well. He couldn't tolerate anyone who defied him; such individuals didn't survive in Greyport. He'd use any means necessary to get revenge on his enemies.

"Hehehe, what evidence do you have?"

"Evidence? What evidence do I need?" Joanna retorted scornfully. A normal person wouldn't dare touch Jaydon Grimm. Only Bruce Everett would do such a thing.

"Of course, evidence is important! You can't fabricate accusations," Bruce countered. "I'm a law-abiding citizen. I've never done anything illegal!" His pupils constricted as he unconsciously moved closer. Perhaps it was the wine, but his stomach burned, and his heart pounded.

Joanna, oblivious to the shift in his demeanor, chuckled coldly. "Bruce Everett, this is between us two. Don't involve anyone else! I advise you to stop before you go too far!"

Bruce's heart ached slightly. He gritted his teeth. "Did you come here to tell me this?"

"Yes!" Joanna raised her chin defiantly. "You can do whatever you want to me, but don't hurt Jay. He's innocent. What you're doing is despicable!"

Bruce's expression darkened. "Joanna Haynes, I told you to stay away from him! Did you listen? This is the price of your disobedience!"

"I'm not your dog or cat! Why should I listen to you?"

"Fine, there's no point talking." Bruce suddenly wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

"Ah! What are you doing?" Joanna cried out in fear. She was trapped.

Bruce's breathing grew heavy. "What am I doing? Why don't you tell me?" He lifted her into his arms.

"Ah—Let go of me! Don't—"

She'd entered a lion's den, and escape wouldn't be easy. He pressed her onto the sofa. His kisses rained down on her; his mouth carried the faint taste of red wine. She suffocated, her face flushed. He began unbuttoning her blouse.

"No, stop! Don't touch me"

Bruce's eyes burned with rage; his aura was dangerous. Joanna trembled, struggling in fear and despair.

"Bruce Everett, no, please, don't" When angry, he lost all reason, capable of torturing her to death, unmoved by pleas for mercy.

"Joanna Haynes, I've told you! If you disobey me, you'll regret it! Obey me, and I might let you off!"

Joanna stared at him in horror. "Bruce, we can talk—"

He smirked. "Hmph, didn't you come here to be with me? Why the resistance now?"

"Don't—I came to talk about the company—"

"Don't bother explaining. I haven't touched you in so long. Don't you miss me?" He unbuckled his belt. He wanted to conquer this woman who repeatedly challenged him, to see her break and beg.

"Let go, you lunatic!" Joanna screamed, hitting him with all her strength. Her resistance only fueled his aggression.

"Ah! Help!" Her breath was cut off. She felt crushed, her bones aching. She knew this would happen if they were alone. She stopped resisting; the more she fought, the more violent he'd become. He'd torture her like a madman.

Seeing her submit, Bruce eased up. He began unbuttoning his shirt. That was her chance. She pulled a stun gun from her pocket, aiming it at Bruce and shocking him.

Buzz, buzz!

He went limp, collapsing onto the carpet. Joanna pushed him away, scrambling off the sofa.

"Bruce Everett, you'll never touch me again! I'll never submit!" She fled the office, her hair disheveled.

Bruce's body remained numb. He looked at Joanna's fleeing back, his eyes scarlet. "Joanna Haynes, you'll pay!" He'd been electrocuted for the second time; his overconfidence had been his downfall. He hadn't anticipated her defiance.

Joanna escaped, a mess. In the corridor, she hastily tidied herself. At the secretary's desk, Andy and Mark whispered, "I bet Miss Haynes came to throw herself at Mr. Everett again!"

"Right! She says she wants to break up with him, but she can't let go!"

"No wonder Mr. Haynes wanted to end their relationship! He favors Roxanne!"

"Look, she's been in there a long time. They must be at it again!"

They were still talking when Joanna emerged, disheveled.

"Miss Haynes" They were startled, quickly approaching her.

She ignored them, heading for the elevator.

"So fast? That's not Mr. Everett's style!"

"He always takes longer. It hasn't even been twenty minutes! Something must have happened. Let's check!"

Andy entered Bruce's office and found him lying on the floor.

"Mr. Everett! What happened?" Andy rushed to his side. The electricity had left Bruce numb.