Chapter 216

"Who dares touch me? Get back!" Derick lunged at the security guards, initiating a brawl.

"Stop this! It's a tragedy for our family! Joann, he's your brother!" Shaun's voice was laced with anger and disappointment. "How can you be so heartless?"

Two guards grabbed Derick and dragged him toward the exit. "Mr. Haynes, leave the conference room," they ordered.

Derick fumed. "Joanna, don't think I'm scared of you! Who do you—"

"Get him out of here!"

The guards forcefully ejected Derick. At that moment, Cora arrived. "Miss Haynes, Mr. Everett has arrived!"

Before she finished, Bruce entered, his expression icy. Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul stood, offering disarming smiles. "Mr. Everett, welcome!"

Shaun took a deep breath. "Bruce, we're in a board meeting. We've unanimously decided to remove my ungrateful daughter. It's your decision now."

"My decision?" Bruce swaggered to a chair, sitting with arrogance. "I want what everyone else wants."

Shaun, Mr. Roger, and the others felt a surge of confidence. "Joann, you're unsuitable as a director. Resign."

Joanna pressed her lips together. "It won't be easy to remove me. Buy out my shares, or get out."

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul grimaced. Joanna's shares were worth a staggering $200 million—an impossible sum to raise immediately. Their gaze shifted to Bruce, the only one who could easily afford them.

A cold smile played on Bruce's lips. "Miss Haynes, planning to sell the Haynes Group's shares?"

Joanna glared. She couldn't bear to sell her grandfather's legacy, but the board had marginalized her, and she'd fought back. Bruce, however, could easily take over the entire company.

"Why the silence?" Bruce sneered, knowing she wouldn't sell.

Joanna suppressed her resentment. "Mr. Everett, you have many publicly traded companies. Are you seriously planning to take over the Haynes Group?"

"Who wouldn't invest in a lucrative venture? The Haynes Group is well-established with tremendous acquisition potential!" Bruce replied, his shrewd gaze fixed on Joanna.

Joanna seethed. He was determined to ruin her.

"I'll buy your shares at market price," Bruce declared.

His words pierced Joanna's heart. Bruce continued his heartless stare. "The Haynes Group is facing losses and declining share prices. Even if you sell, it won't cover your debt," he mocked. He could easily manipulate events to ruin her.

Joanna exploded. "Bruce, back off!"

Shaun breathed a sigh of relief. "Joann, step down voluntarily, and you can still uphold your grandfather's legacy. Are you really going to sell his assets for a pittance?"

Joanna's eyes filled with tears. She had faced many obstacles, but she wouldn't give up. She needed enough money to challenge Bruce and regain custody of her children.

"Oh, right! I remember our bet—the Haynes Group in the top 500 worldwide within three years. It hasn't even been a year!"

Mr. Roger immediately changed his tune, flattering Bruce. "You're right! The contract can't be changed! Let Miss Haynes remain chairman!" Mr. Paul agreed.

Shaun was frustrated by their shifting loyalties. They were untrustworthy, driven by money. "Joann, what's going on? You've been frequently absent from work, setting up a factory in Mossbourne, and collaborating with social media influencers. How can I be at ease?" Shaun seized on her mistakes, knowing her burdens had distracted her. He spoke with an air of superiority.

Joanna felt guilty. "I've been distracted. I will adjust my work situation."

"Managing a company isn't empty talk," Shaun continued.

"Exactly! It requires tremendous effort! Mr. Haynes should continue working! He's been with the company for over twenty years and is more experienced," a director claimed. Another agreed.

Joanna was frustrated. Shaun's return would cause chaos. She was about to respond when a wave of nausea hit her. "Uh uh" She rushed to the restroom to vomit, but nothing came out.

A gasp filled the conference room. They exchanged glances. "Could she be expecting?" they murmured.

"No way! Isn't she single?" Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul exclaimed, looking at Bruce.

Shaun felt a chill. "This ungrateful daughter is a disgrace!" he cursed. "What have I done to deserve this?"

"Don't worry, it might just be an upset stomach," someone consoled him.

"Enough! I disown her!" Shaun exploded.

Jaydon had left Greyport. If Joanna was pregnant, the child was likely Bruce's. Shaun seethed, wanting to strangle Joanna. Bruce's reconciliation with Roxanne could be ruined.

"Let's focus on work," someone suggested. "It's her personal matter."

Bruce, witnessing the commotion, was taken aback. Joanna's appearance suggested morning sickness. They had spent the night together last month; he couldn't remember how many times they'd had sex. If she was pregnant, the child was his.

The realization shook him. He loosened his tie, his thoughts in disarray. Margaret had died because of Joanna. Now this. He had no idea how to handle this, especially with Roxanne also expecting.