Chapter 231

Bruce Everett snorted and hung up. "Slam!" The phone hit the table hard. His face was as cold as ice. Everyone else fell silent.

This was a high-end nightclub. The dimly lit private room was filled with beautiful women. Besides Bruce, a handsome young man sat on the leather sofa, legs crossed, lazily cuddling two women.

Seeing Bruce's anger, the man smiled. "Come on, Bruce, it's rare you're out. Don't be angry!" "That's right. Let's drink!" A long-legged woman enthusiastically poured Bruce a glass of wine. Another, in a low-cut dress, quickly lit his cigarette.

Bruce's face remained gloomy, his temples throbbing. Only Joanna Haynes could make him this angry.

"Bruce, so many beautiful ladies! Why the long face? You're scaring them off!"

The speaker was Zachary Garcia, Bruce's childhood friend. Given Bruce's status, he had many acquaintances, but few true friends. Zachary was one of them. Zachary, the eldest son of Greyport's boat tycoon, came from a family worth billions, one of Greyport's top ten wealthiest. Though not as wealthy as the Everetts, they were still prominent. They moved in the same circles.

Zachary raised a glass. "Cheers!" he said, handing it to Bruce. "Nothing to be angry about! She's just a woman. Not worth it!"

"I'm not angry!"

Zachary snorted. "Look at your face! How can you say you're not angry?" he teased. "I don't understand. Giving up the whole forest for one tree?" He took a sip of wine, his eyes filled with amusement.

Men of their status who remained loyal to one woman were mocked. In their world, love was bought, women were like clothes—constantly changed. They enjoyed diverse relationships without excessive expense. Why be foolish and settle for one? Bruce Everett was a weirdo! He shouldn't invest so much in one woman.

"My sister's returning next week! A banquet. Come!"

"Your sister?" Bruce raised an eyebrow.

Zachary had a younger sister, six years his junior, who had studied in Europe. Bruce had met her; she was beautiful. He recalled her past pursuit of him, which he'd rejected.

Zachary poured another glass. "Jennie. You know her."

Bruce sipped his wine. "Hehe!"

"The banquet's next Saturday. You must come!"

"Of course!"

Zachary beckoned some women. "Satisfy Mr. Everett!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Garcia!"

The nightclub belonged to Zachary. The women, former beauty pageant contestants, were stunning. Bruce had been frequenting the club lately. He hadn't previously enjoyed such places, but his bad mood drove him here.

At the Reagan No. 8 Residence:

After hanging up, Joanna Haynes was so angry she cried. What right did Bruce have to detain her, to demand this, to send the boys overseas? She couldn't tolerate it. She owed him nothing.

"Ms. Haynes, don't be angry! It's not good for the baby!"

"All of you, get out!" Joanna yelled at the maids.

They quickly left. Joanna buried her head in her pillow and cried. Bruce Everett had ruined her life.

Saturday:

At the Garcia Villa, a banquet celebrated Jennie Garcia's return from Europe. Luxury cars lined up outside. Greyport's socialites, young masters, and business elites attended. The venue was elegant, the food and drinks top-tier, a world-famous pianist performing.

Jennie wore a custom white gown, adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals. She looked like a radiant princess.

"Welcome back, Jennie!"

"Long time no see"

As she socialized, Jennie eagerly awaited Bruce's arrival. Her brother said he was coming. She hadn't slept a wink.

Luxury cars arrived. Bodyguards surrounded a man.

"Mr. Everett is here!"

Jennie saw Bruce.

"Long time no see, Bruce!"

"Jennie, you're prettier!" He presented a bouquet.

"Thank you!" She'd had a crush on him since her teens, but he'd only had eyes for Roxanne Haynes. Jennie had studied in Europe, her feelings now resurfacing.

"Let's dance!"

"Alright!"

They danced, a captivating sight.

"They're perfect together!" someone commented. Roxanne Haynes' family was far less powerful than the Garcias.

Afterward, they sat and chatted.

"Bruce, I heard you're getting married."

"Oh, heh" He chuckled nervously. Roxanne had been his ideal, a popular socialite. But the Haynes family's troubles, and Raymond Haynes' death, had tarnished their reputation. Joanna's rise didn't help their standing.

Seeing his discomfort, Jennie asked, "When's the wedding?"

"I haven't thought about it. At least until after my grandmother's anniversary." Jennie's eyes lit up. "Marriage is a big decision!"

Bruce remained silent, aware of Jennie's intense gaze. He disliked the pressure; he was slow to warm up to people.

Zachary arrived with wine. "What are you talking about? You both seem happy."

Jennie smiled. "Just chatting, Zachary!"

Bruce stood. "I'll leave."

"You just arrived! Why the rush?"

"I dislike crowds!" He was always the center of attention at banquets, feeling like an animal in a zoo.

"What's wrong with crowds? You're old-fashioned! You're the only one different here!"

Bruce smiled, not refuting him. Greyport was open-minded, far less conservative than Mossbourne. The rich had multiple lovers; cheating was common; wives mostly ignored it. Heirs flaunted affairs with celebrities and models.