Chapter 17

Bruce's only desire was to conquer Joanna. He was aggressively possessive; once he targeted someone, escape was nearly impossible. He ripped open Joanna's shirt, his hands caressing her body recklessly. Terrified and humiliated, Joanna fought back fiercely.

"Let go of me! No!" she cried. "You think I don't know what you're doing? Nobody plays hard to get with me. Bruce Everett always gets what he wants"

He tore the zipper on her skirt. Pinned against the sink, she was powerless despite her struggle. Horror overwhelmed her. His brutality was familiar; she knew he wouldn't stop until she was broken.

Just as he was about to succeed, loud knocks shattered the silence. Both froze. The conference room door burst open, the clatter of high heels announcing Roxanne's arrival.

"Bruce? Bruce, are you there?"

Bruce immediately released Joanna. "Stay here," he ordered, hastily straightening his clothes before exiting the bathroom, his demeanor instantly composed.

"Roxy? What are you doing here?" he asked, resuming his elegant facade.

"I came to see you. I heard you were signing a contract with Joann, so I stopped by," she replied with a sweet smile. Looking into the bathroom, she asked, "Where's Joann? Isn't she here?"

Bruce frowned. "The contract's signed. Let's go," he said, putting his arm around Roxanne.

Joanna, having quickly composed herself, stormed out of the bathroom. "Bruce, you're shameless!" she swore. She didn't care about Roxanne's presence; it was even better—a chance to expose him. Her disheveled appearance and red eyes spoke volumes.

Roxanne went pale, instantly understanding what had happened. Her worst fear had been realized: Bruce had never truly forgotten Joanna.

"Bruce" Roxanne murmured, concealing her fury.

"Since the contract's signed, let's go!" she said, gently shaking his arm, determined to limit his time with Joanna.

"Where to?" Bruce asked.

"Didn't we plan to try on a wedding dress last night?"

He remembered. "Oh, yes, in a minute."

Roxanne had cried the night before, questioning if he still loved her. Six years of dating; he knew he couldn't postpone the wedding any longer. Without thinking, he'd proposed.

Watching the affectionate couple, Joanna's heart ached. Noticing her distress, Bruce hugged Roxanne tighter.

"After the dress, let's look at wedding rings," Bruce said. "A new shipment of diamonds arrived. Let's see if you like any."

Roxanne was ecstatic. "Really?"

Bruce gazed at her lovingly. "I ordered a 24.87-carat pink diamond. You're turning 24 this year. I'd have given it to you on your birthday, August 7th, but it doesn't matter now. It's quite precious—worth 100 million dollars."

Both he and Joanna knew that money was intended for her. Since she considered herself too noble to accept it, she shouldn't blame him for spending it on the woman who stole her husband! He wanted to see her enraged.

"Bruce, you're so sweet!" Roxanne kissed his cheek.

Sorrow pierced Joanna's heart, but not because of the money. She was also turning 24, just ten days after Roxanne, and her father had always prioritized Roxanne's birthday.

"Happy now?" he asked Roxanne.

"Totally!" she beamed, then turned to Joanna. "Joann, if you're free tomorrow, come to my birthday party!"

"My schedule's full," Joanna replied icily.

Roxanne's face fell. "Joann, Daddy was so angry yesterday. He almost had a heart attack. He hasn't been well. Why don't you come for dinner tonight?"

It was a pretense; Roxanne intended to formally claim Joanna's position as Mrs. Everett.

"I can't. I have children," Joanna said. "We're a family, Joann. Let bygones be bygones, please"

Joanna was disgusted by Roxanne's hypocrisy.

"You're in my office, and I'm going to work! If you have nothing else to do, go home!" she snapped.

Bruce sneered. "Did I hear you right? Who are you to tell me where to go?"

"Suit yourself! I'm going to work!"

"Wait, Joann!" Roxanne called. "I want to talk to you!"

Joanna paused. "About what?"

"Bruce, would you mind waiting for me in the corridor?"

Bruce hesitated, then nodded. "Sure."

As soon as he left, Roxanne's demeanor changed. "Joanna Haynes, stay away from Bruce. Stop flirting with him. If you ever hit on him again, I'll teach you a lesson!"

Joanna sneered. "Is that all?"

"Bruce and I are getting married. Don't even think about it!"

Joanna said coldly, "Are you done? Get out of here. I'm going to work."

Roxanne's irritation boiled over. She slapped herself hard.

"Ouch! What are you doing, Joann?"

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