Chapter 181

The following day, Ingrid accompanied Roxanne to the maternity and children's care center. Bruce's semen had already been frozen, and Roxanne began undergoing various tests and receiving hormone injections. Artificial insemination could be performed as long as ovulation was successful.

"Mom, are we really going to do this?" Roxanne asked hesitantly.

Ingrid sneered. "Silly girl, we've come this far. Is there any room for regret? You can't retreat now, no matter what! Even if you die, you have to die as part of the Everett family!"

Meanwhile, Joanna had begun seeking legal counsel to prepare for a lawsuit. She'd just retained a lawyer when she received a summons from the court and a request for final negotiations from the Everett family's lawyer.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Joanna's phone rang.

"Hello!" she answered.

"Hello, Ms. Haynes. I'm Jameson, the Everett family's lawyer. Margaret Everett has tasked me with making a final offer regarding the children's custody," Jameson said.

Joanna took a deep breath. "Speak."

Jameson paused. "Margaret is offering $40 million for you to relinquish custody. Your daughter can remain with you; the Everett family only wants custody of the two boys. That's fairer," he added.

Joanna sneered. "Tell Margaret that I will not give up custody of the children, no matter what."

"Ms. Haynes, consider the consequences of opposing the Everett family. You're very likely to receive nothing. I advise you to accept their offer," Jameson warned.

Joanna scoffed. "The Everett family has considerable power, but they can't bully me. I refuse the negotiation. Inform Margaret that we'll proceed through legal channels."

"In that case, we'll follow standard procedure," Jameson replied.

Joanna quickly hired her own lawyer and sent a lawyer's letter to the Everett family.

(Time stamp: 10:36 Tue, 4)

"Hello, I'm Brycen, Ms. Haynes's lawyer," a voice stated.

"You've illegally detained Ms. Haynes's children. This constitutes false imprisonment! We'll meet you in court to pursue legal action and protect our client's rights. The Everett family will be held responsible for the children's support for many years to come," Brycen continued.

The two lawyers began negotiations, but neither side conceded. Both parties proceeded with legal action, filing lawsuits against each other. The Everett family employed a top international legal team, while Joanna hired Greyport's best.

Bruce felt helpless. He didn't want his relationship with Joanna to become so strained, especially after recent improvements. However, the custody battle, fueled by Margaret and Joanna's stubbornness, had reignited their conflict. Margaret wouldn't relinquish custody, and Joanna wouldn't back down after the forceful seizure of the children. The court date was set for next month, coincidentally during the New Year's period.

Meanwhile, Joanna worked at Haynes Group. Despite the lawsuit, business continued. She was handling matters in her office when Cora knocked.

"Miss Haynes, Mr. Everett is here…" Cora said nervously.

Bruce barged in, his expression cold. "Get out!" he ordered Cora and the other employees, who quickly left.

Joanna's heart tightened. "Bruce, what are you doing in my office?" she asked, standing up.

Bruce's anger was evident. "Joanna, do you have to do this? The Everett family chose this path. You promised you wouldn't fight me for custody, but now you have, forcing my hand," he said.

Bruce took a deep breath. "Grandma is old. Can't you understand her feelings?"

Joanna glared. "Bruce, I'm also a mother! Why can't you understand my feelings?"

Bruce lost his temper. "I'm the children's father! They don't belong solely to you. If you want to see them, I can bring them anytime! But detaining my children is unacceptable," he exclaimed. Joanna's eyes welled with anger.

"Can we talk calmly?" Bruce pleaded, frustrated. He wanted to reconcile, but his arrogance prevented him from proposing remarriage. Joanna misunderstood his intentions, believing he was trying to take the children.

Joanna frowned coldly. "Sure, but send my children back first."

Bruce lost control. He grabbed her arms. "Your children? I'll say this once: the children don't belong to you alone! Without me, you couldn't even have a child!"

Joanna struggled to break free. "Let go!"

"Don't challenge me!" Bruce's eyes hardened.

"Don't touch me!" Joanna panicked.

Bruce embraced her and kissed her. "Mm… you bastard…" Joanna protested as he lifted her. He pressed her against the desk.

"Bruce, don't…" Joanna cried out.

"Have I been too tolerant? I'll punish you severely!"

Joanna, desperate, grabbed a pen holder from the desk and struck Bruce on the head.

"Bang!" Bruce staggered, his anger subsiding slightly. Joanna broke free.

"If you touch me again, I won't go easy on you!" she warned, her hair and clothes disheveled.

Bruce rubbed his head. "Joanna, you don't know what's good for you!" He lunged at her again.

Joanna, terrified, fled towards the door, ignoring the employees' stunned gazes. She ran out, Bruce in pursuit. She reached the elevator and went downstairs, Bruce taking the stairs.

"Oh my god, what are Miss Haynes and Mr. Everett doing?" employees whispered.

Both reached the ground floor simultaneously.

"Joanna, stop!" Bruce shouted.

"Don't come near me!" Joanna responded.

Joanna ran toward the street, attempting to cross to the other side to escape.

A car, driven recklessly, sped towards her.

"Joanna, watch out!" Bruce yelled, grabbing her back.

The car narrowly missed her, but she fell, injuring her arms and knees. The car sped off.

Bruce rushed to her side. The other cars had stopped.

"Urgh…" Joanna groaned.

"Are you alright?" Bruce asked, lifting her.

Joanna struggled to stand but fell weakly. The driver had clearly intended to hit her. Bruce's quick intervention had saved her.