Chapter 36

"Miss Haynes, you're so beautiful. Are you interested in joining the entertainment industry?"

Joanna smiled gracefully at the camera. "Nice joke. I'm more than content if Haynes Group flourishes."

"Excuse me, when are you and Mr. Grimm getting married?"

"That's personal. I can't answer that."

Joanna had been noncommittal about her relationship with Jaydon over the years. She still needed him as a patron. The partnership was mutually beneficial. Her status as Mr. Everett's ex-wife would automatically draw attention, benefiting Jaydon's film and television company.

"Mr. Grimm, when are you going to propose to Ms. Haynes?"

Jaydon smiled, looked lovingly at Joanna, and said, half-jokingly, "That depends on when she's okay with it! If she wants to marry me now, I'll propose immediately!"

"Wow, that's sweet!"

"Propose now!"

The reporters cheered.

Joanna smiled bashfully and subtly signaled Jaydon to steer the conversation elsewhere. Under the crowd's gaze, Jaydon looked soulfully at Joanna, his demeanor suggesting sincerity.

"You two even have children. You'd better hurry up and get married! Don't forget to invite us to the wedding!"

Joanna avoided eye contact. "I won't answer questions about this outside of work. As you know, my grandfather recently passed away, and I'm still grieving. Marriage isn't in my plans for the next three years. I hope everyone will respect that."

The reporters ceased their questioning, respecting her grief.

Jaydon felt despondent. He'd dated countless women but was tired of the chase. He was open-minded about Joanna's past, including her previous marriage and children, but she consistently used this as a reason to refuse him.

He quickly composed himself. "I'll step aside now and leave the press conference to Miss Haynes." He smiled politely and left the stage.

Chapter 36 (Continued)

Meanwhile, someone watched Joanna on TV. Bruce was smoking a cigarette, lost in thought, until it burned his hand. He quickly stubbed it out. Joanna was undeniably attractive, but he now saw her strength and resilience, although his disdain remained.

"They say beautiful women have wicked hearts," he mused. "Is Joanna a prime example?" He indignantly switched off the television, disliking her closeness to other men, even though they were divorced.

Midway through the press conference, a commotion erupted downstairs. Two middle-aged men led a group of protestors shouting slogans:

"The new Haynes Group chairman has ruined our lives with the layoffs!" "Haynes Group is greedy and heartless!" "Joanna, get out of Greyport!" "Joanna has no conscience!"

Security tried to disperse them, but some protestors even assaulted the guards.

Jaydon frowned. "What's going on down there?"

"A dozen former Haynes Group employees protesting their layoffs."

"Chairman of Haynes Group, come out and explain!" "You heartless bitch, get out of Haynes! Get out of Greyport!" "Heartless creature, you don't deserve to be human!"

The media pressed Joanna: "Miss Haynes, explain the layoffs."

Joanna's expression fell. "The layoffs followed standard operating procedure, and all affected personnel received compensation."

"Did these employees make mistakes?"

"Haynes Group doesn't fire employees without cause. This restructuring brings in new talent and addresses company issues. We uncovered evidence of corruption, bribery, and embezzlement. The police are welcome to investigate. Certain individuals need to be held accountable!"

Joanna's eloquent and firm response was a blow to Ingrid. Joanna spared Ingrid public exposure, but her statement served as a warning.

Ingrid, watching the live broadcast, broke into a cold sweat, realizing she'd underestimated Joanna. She didn't want police involvement, so she called the protestors.

"Leave now," she ordered.

"Why? We're about to throw things at her!"

Ingrid screamed, "It's an order! The market will retaliate if this continues!"

The protestors, unaware of Joanna's statement, obeyed and left.

Ingrid seethed. "Joanna, you bitch! I won't let you get away with this!"

The protestors were company executives who'd acted with Ingrid's backing. Police involvement would mean jail time and compensation for Haynes Group. Ingrid's fear stemmed from the fact that the "cousins" she'd used as an excuse for frequent visits were actually her lovers.

Multiple male companions lessened suspicion compared to one. Ingrid’s needs surpassed Roxanne's; Shaun's health issues made him incapable of meeting those needs.