Chapter 152

"Joanna" Bruce felt suffocated, unsure what to say.

"Take me home, now!" she demanded. "If you don't, you can go back alone!"

Resentfully, Bruce opened the car door, forced Joanna into the passenger seat, and then got in himself. He started the car and drove down the mountain. The two remained silent, the atmosphere heavy and strained.

Half an hour later, Bruce pulled up to Joanna's neighborhood entrance. Joanna unbuckled her seatbelt, preparing to leave.

Bruce coughed, then said solemnly, "Think carefully. Call me when you've decided."

"There's no need to think," Joanna replied coldly, without turning to look at him. "I won't agree."

She walked into her neighborhood, eager to shower and wash away Bruce's trace. She also needed to take emergency contraception; she didn't want another pregnancy.

Ten minutes later, Joanna unlocked her door. Tracy, shocked by Joanna's weakened state, exclaimed, "Miss Haynes, what happened to you?"

"Nothing," Joanna replied curtly, heading straight for the bathroom. She filled the tub with cold water and submerged herself. The bone-chilling water sent jolts through her, a pain she welcomed; the physical discomfort numbed her emotional distress. This was her most effective way to cope with heartbreak.

Twenty minutes later, Joanna calmed down, stepping out of the cold bath. She changed clothes; it was already 7:30 AM—almost time for work. A text message popped up: her car had been towed. She would have to retrieve it later.

Joanna called Cora. "Hey, Cora! My car was towed. Go to the Transport Bureau, pay the fine, and get it back."

"Alright, Miss Haynes," Cora replied.

Tracy made Joanna coffee and a sandwich. Joanna ate quietly, her expression cold, distant, and exhausted. Tracy sensed something unpleasant had happened but didn't pry. After breakfast, Joanna prepared for work.

"Lilia, Mommy's going to work," Joanna said to her daughter, who seemed listless.

"Bye, Mommy."

"Okay, be good," Joanna said, kissing her daughter without noticing Lilia's unwell appearance.

At 9:00 AM, Joanna arrived at the company. During the pre-work meeting, she learned the Mossbourne factory account lacked funds. The manufacturer demanded full payment before shipping the remaining products.

Joanna frowned. "How much more is needed?"

"About $4 million."

"Got it. Tell them I'll transfer the money next week."

After hanging up, Joanna groaned, realizing she couldn't afford even $200,000. Though Bruce had given her $150 million, she refused to use his money. The company had no funds, and Roger and Paul staunchly opposed further investment in the factory. Further complicating matters, Skywinds and Neorace had canceled their orders. She needed new partners.

Just then, Luna announced, "Miss Haynes, Mr. Grimm is here."

"Show him in."

Jaydon entered, bearing his usual gifts of coffee and cake. "Joann, you look terrible. What's wrong?"

Joanna hesitated, overwhelmed. She knew Jaydon would help, but she didn't want to burden him further, especially with Bruce's erratic behavior and the potential loss of her Mossbourne investment.

Jaydon pressed gently, "What is it? Don't be embarrassed."

Joanna smiled weakly. "It's nothing."

"You're clearly upset. Take a break if you need to. We also need to pick up Davian and Irvin from Venturas this afternoon," he reminded her.

Joanna patted her head. "Oh, right! Friday already. I completely forgot."

Jaydon chuckled. "Your memory is slipping. I'd have to remind you about the kids!"

Joanna's smile faded. "What is it?" Jaydon asked.

"Nothing," she said, but Jaydon persisted, sensing financial trouble. "Is there a cash flow problem?"

Joanna sighed and admitted, "A little."

"How much do you need?" Jaydon asked.

Joanna was silent, until he suggested four million. She sighed deeply. She wanted to refuse, worried about repaying him if the business failed.

Jaydon proposed a solution: "I'm considering a venture in Mossbourne. Let me invest in your factory; you keep 51% of the shares, I'll take 49%. We'll work together."

Joanna was shocked. She warned him about the risks, but Jaydon reassured her, comparing it to the inherent risks in film production. He was willing to treat it as a possible loss.

Joanna finally accepted, realizing that with Jaydon's investment, the factory could succeed and cash flow wouldn't be a problem. They agreed on the terms, and planned to finalize the contract on Monday.

"Let's have lunch," Jaydon offered.

"Okay!" Joanna replied.

At noon, as Jaydon waited for Joanna downstairs, Bruce arrived. Seeing Joanna and Jaydon leaving the building happily, Bruce felt a surge of anger. He saw her continued involvement with Jaydon as a direct defiance.

"Joanna, you clearly aren't listening! Will you only yield to force?" he seethed.