Chapter 206

Margaret sat gloomily in her wheelchair in the garden, enraged. Bruce hurried out to greet her, but her ominous expression made him uneasy. "Grandma, why are you here?"

Margaret took a deep breath and said sternly, "You bastard, are you trying to drive me to my grave?" She became agitated, coughing and clutching her chest. Roxanne quickly patted her back, trying to calm her. "Grandma, you need to calm down! Be careful of your health."

Bruce also rushed to her side. "Grandma, take it easy. Don't get so agitated."

Margaret, catching her breath, pointed a trembling finger at Bruce. "Bastard, do you know how difficult it was for the Everett family to achieve what we have today? Your grandfather and father sacrificed their lives to build our family business! But you—you don't cherish what you have! Sooner or later, you will destroy everything the Everett family accomplished!"

Bruce wanted to explain, but the words wouldn't come. He knew he'd gone too far, admitting it was the first time he'd walked out on the company's management.

Margaret continued, "You're so irresponsible, a ne'er-do-well!"

"Grandma, I'm wrong! I promise it won't happen again," Bruce pleaded.

Despite his apologies, Margaret remained furious, especially because of his problematic relationship with Joanna. He'd ignored his fiancée for Joanna and neglected his work. "Don't give me that crap!" she raged. "Where is that vixen, Joanna Haynes? Tell her to come out! I want to teach her a lesson!"

"Grandma, she's sick. You shouldn't see her," Bruce said.

Before he could finish, Margaret exploded. "Is she so precious to you that I can't even see her?"

Bruce grimaced. "No, Grandma, it's not like that. You're agitated; I'm worried about your health!"

Both Joanna and Margaret were stubborn and unwell; a meeting would undoubtedly lead to an argument. It was best they didn't meet.

"Go get her now!" Margaret demanded. "I want to know why she broke her promise not to bother you! You have secret rendezvous! How dare you?"

"Grandma!" Bruce protested.

"Hurry up! Both of you, go!" Margaret, beyond furious, instructed her caretakers to fetch Joanna. They immediately went inside.

Roxanne, ever pretentious, tried to intervene. "Don't be angry, Grandma. Please forgive Bruce this time! He's always been career-minded; he didn't do it on purpose! It's probably Joanna."

Margaret, already angry with Joanna, snapped, "You don't have to plead for him. I know better than anyone what kind of person this brat is! Come here, I'm going to beat you to death, you disappointing brat! I'll discipline you on your parents' behalf!" Margaret raised her walking stick and struck Bruce. He'd become increasingly reckless, neglecting his work for frivolous pursuits.

Meanwhile, in Bruce's room, a drowsy Joanna lay in bed, feverish and aching. Lilian, the caregiver, barged in, her expression stern. "Ms. Haynes, Mrs. Everett wants to see you. Now!"

Joanna struggled to sit up. She knew Margaret was trouble. "I have nothing to say to Margaret! Let her talk to Bruce!"

"That won't do. You have to go! Don't keep her waiting, or we'll have to drag you out!"

Joanna's anger flared. The Everetts were unreasonable, both Margaret and Bruce, authoritarian and forceful. "I said I'm not going! Do whatever you want!" She closed her eyes.

Joanna refused to move, and Lilian, unwilling to use force, returned dejectedly.

"Lilian, where's the vixen?" Margaret demanded.

Lilian, surly, replied, "Mrs. Everett, Ms. Haynes refuses to see you! She told you to talk to Mr. Everett if you need anything!"

Margaret was furious. "Good! Good! Very good!"

(Note: The repeated "Chapter 206" headings have been removed as redundant. The promotional text for FindNovel.net has been retained at the end.)