Chapter 22

Shortly after, another bombshell dropped on social media: "An Easy Prey—The Story of Joanna Haynes and Her Bloodsucking Family!" The article focused primarily on Joanna's mother, revealing Shaun's background as Raymond Haynes' adopted son and Joanna's mother as Raymond's niece. This explained why Raymond bequeathed Joanna 51% of the Haynes Group—she was his only blood relative.

Meanwhile, Shaun and Ingrid's affair exploded into the public eye. Posts highlighted the proximity of Joanna and Roxanne's birthdays (ten days apart), implying Shaun's infidelity began while Joanna's mother was pregnant with Joanna. The revelation shocked netizens, as Shaun and Ingrid had cultivated an image of marital bliss. The news disgusted many.

While such affairs might have been met with less outrage in the past, today's netizens had zero tolerance. Jaydon's PR team expertly leveraged Ingrid's past, making her a trending topic overnight. Social media was flooded with hashtags like "#IngridHaynesProvenHomewrecker," "#ShaunHaynesAbusesDaughter," and "#IngridHaynesMeanStepmother." The relentless online onslaught targeted Ingrid exclusively.

Many commentators noted the stark contrast between Roxanne's lavish birthday celebrations and Joanna's complete lack of acknowledgment. The scandal unearthed a torrent of speculation about the Haynes family's hidden secrets. As the story gained traction, public opinion began to shift, with nearly half of netizens subtly siding with Joanna. However, years of portraying Joanna as a scheming villain meant a complete reversal of public perception would take time. Some even rationalized Joanna's behavior, attributing it to her upbringing.

Back at the Haynes villa, Roxanne excitedly showed Ingrid the online news. Ingrid, mid-facial, smirked triumphantly. "More stories about that little bitch? Let's hear them. I need some entertainment," she said, without opening her eyes.

Roxanne's anxiety grew. "No, Mom! It's about you and Dad! They're calling you a homewrecker and a terrible stepmother!"

Ingrid's face hardened. "Joanna's behind this," she hissed, "She hired someone to do her dirty work!" She snatched the phone and read aloud, "Ingrid Haynes, homewrecker who drove Shaun's ex-wife away while pregnant. So what? That old, ugly hag couldn't keep her husband. Not my fault."

Roxanne, however, was far more concerned. "Mom, this is bad! Everyone's talking about us. The Everetts value reputation. What will Bruce think? Dad's not the chairman anymore, and people in Greyport are treating us differently. Remember my birthday? Several girls didn't even show up!"

Ingrid's demeanor darkened. "Don't worry. I'll make some calls. These stories will disappear."

"Mom, will that really work?" Roxanne questioned.

"I know the wives of some online celebrities. They'll do me a favor," Ingrid assured her.

Roxanne felt slightly relieved. "Mom, you have to fix this! We can't let the Everetts see this!"

Ingrid casually dialed her manicurist, asking, "Have you worked things out with Bruce lately?" Roxanne sighed, revealing Bruce was on a business trip to Europe, returning the next day. She had tried calling him but only reached his voicemail.

Ingrid's eyes narrowed. "Let's go to the old Everett mansion," she declared, dismissing the manicurist. Roxanne, confused, asked, "Why?"

"To visit Bruce's grandmother, Margaret. Haven't I always told you to visit her? Go get dressed!"

Roxanne reluctantly obeyed. She knew Margaret disliked her, though she never voiced her feelings directly. Roxanne generally avoided her.

(The final two lines are website promotion and have been removed.)