Chapter 232
Bruce was known for having only one girlfriend at a time. Though he occasionally had affairs, he never developed genuine feelings for anyone else. This made him an exception among the city's wealthy young men.
"It's getting late. I'm leaving," Bruce said.
"Bruce, let me see you out!" Jennie offered.
"There's no need!"
Jennie insisted on walking him to the door. As Bruce reached his car, Jennie politely kissed his cheek goodbye.
After Bruce left, Zachary teased his sister, "Jennie, are you still interested in Bruce?"
Jennie pouted, frowning. "Zachary! He has children and isn't single!"
"I know," she replied, a determined smile playing on her lips. "So what? I don't mind!" What were a few children? The Everetts possessed billions in assets; supporting them would be a trifle. Besides, who wouldn't want such an outstanding man? Jennie had secretly resolved to win Bruce over. "Let's go inside."
"Okay!"
The next day, many photos from the banquet were leaked online. Pictures of Jennie and Bruce dancing together circulated, accompanied by suggestive captions. The headlines were even more ambiguous: "Mr. Everett dances with Ms. Garcia—a perfect match!" "A power couple! A love match made in heaven!" "Will Mr. Everett fall in love again?"
Roxanne soon saw the trending news. She was furious; her heart pounded with rage. She'd always been wary of Joanna, never anticipating a threat from the seemingly out-of-nowhere Jennie. Jennie surpassed her in every aspect. If Bruce hadn't mistakenly believed Roxanne was his savior, perhaps Jennie would have been with him long ago. Now, with Roxanne's reputation tarnished, Jennie presented a far greater threat than Joanna.
Panicked, Roxanne called Ingrid.
"Hey, Roxy!" Ingrid answered.
"Mom! Have you seen the news?" Roxanne exclaimed.
Ingrid paused. "What news? What happened again?"
"Last night, Bruce was at Jennie's banquet! He danced with her and gave her roses!"
"Really?"
"Yes! What should I do?" Roxanne was distraught. Worse still, almost every Greyport socialite was at the banquet—except Roxanne! "Joanna, that bitch, still wants Bruce. Now, another damn bitch has appeared!"
Ingrid soothed her. "Calm down. Don't make a fuss over something so insignificant. With Bruce's wealth, even if he didn't flirt, women would still pursue him. There will be similar incidents. You need to be prepared."
Roxanne wailed, "Mom, I can't accept it!"
"You have to, even if you can't! You can only choose between money and love. As long as you get his money, who cares if he fools around?" Ingrid said pragmatically. "Prepare for a long battle. There will always be women after Bruce!"
Ingrid's perspective was common among Greyport's wealthy wives. As long as their husbands didn't have illegitimate children or spend exorbitant sums on mistresses, they largely ignored infidelity. Often, they couldn't do anything about it even if they tried. They'd still put on a show of affection at events, while privately maintaining indifference or having their own affairs—the norm in many wealthy families.
"Focus on the baby. Don't get so angry!" Ingrid advised.
"I know" Roxanne sighed, helpless.
"Be open-minded. The less you care, the less others can use against you. If you don't care, they can't hurt you. Got it?" Ingrid stressed, drawing on her experience. "But your relationship with Bruce is in danger. Learn to keep a man's heart!"
"Mom" Roxanne sighed in disappointment. Everyone understood the logic, but acting on it wasn't easy, especially in relationships. If love was gone, it was gone; no trick could salvage it.
Ingrid continued, "Love needs management—universal wisdom! And keeping a man's heart without love is equally impressive. You're young; you'll understand eventually."
Roxanne took a deep breath. "Jennie was clearly flaunting it. I can't just take it."
"After you give birth, they can do as they please without affecting you," Ingrid pointed out.
"What about Joanna?"
Ingrid's teeth clenched at the mention of Joanna. Jennie was a passing fancy, easily dealt with, and wealthy families were cautious about managing marriages. Joanna, however, was a different story. With three children, she and Bruce were bound for life. To truly sever their connection would require… eliminating Joanna. Only death could completely end their entanglement.
"Don't worry. I'll deal with Joanna."
At Reagan No. 8 Residence, Joanna refused her medicine. Frustrated, she turned on the television.
"Madam, there's radiation from the TV!" her servant warned.
"Leave me alone! I can't go out, I can't go online, I can't do anything! Can't I even watch TV?" Joanna's confinement fueled her irritability. Ms. Chain, despite her concerns, brought the medicine. They'd already seen the news; they feared Joanna's reaction.
Joanna turned on the TV to entertainment news, immediately seeing Bruce and Jennie dancing passionately. The headline was deliberately ambiguous, Greyport's reporters eager to fuel the drama of a wealthy family feud.
"Madam, don't watch. It's all fake…"
"Haha!" Joanna laughed coldly. Now she understood why they'd tried to stop her. Bruce had a new lover. But Joanna wasn't jealous; it was expected. A man like Bruce would never be faithful.
"Turn off the television!"
At the Everett Group, Bruce's staff asked if he wanted to address the news.
"Ignore it," he said coldly. Gossip was constant. Some women used him for publicity; he didn't have time to care.
His phone rang—Roxanne.
"Hey!"
"Bruce"
"What's up?"
"Um, are you at work?"
"Yes."
Roxanne hesitated. "I'm having a prenatal checkup tomorrow. Can you come?"
"Let the servants accompany you."
"Bruce I I want you to come. Please." Roxanne pleaded. "The baby's over two months old, and you've never come with me! Please, just once!"
Bruce considered. "When?"
"Tomorrow!"
"Alright. I'll pick you up."
"Okay!"
Roxanne smiled smugly. Bruce still cared.
The next day, Bruce kept his promise. Click, click—Roxanne had hired paparazzi. Soon, photos of Bruce accompanying her to the checkup went online, solidifying her position as his wife and warning other women. She was pregnant with his child.