Chapter 37

Joanna looked even more stunning than a celebrity on television. It wasn't a press conference; this was clearly a demonstration. Roxanne was upset and more anxious than ever. Since Joanna's return, Bruce had been treating her coldly.

"Mom, look at Joanna's smug face! Do something! Don't let her get so cocky!"

Ingrid swallowed hard, snorted, and swore, "Relax. Let her think she's won. Her downfall awaits in a couple of days. By the way, have you contacted Mr. Everett in the past two days?"

Roxanne's eyes darkened. Bruce hadn't called her in two days. She sighed exasperatedly.

"Why the frustration? Strike while the iron is hot. Any undesirable complications, and the matter between you and Mr. Everett shouldn't be delayed. If we keep stalling, who knows what will happen!"

Resignedly, Roxanne retorted through gritted teeth, "What can I do? I can't exactly beg him to marry me."

Ingrid poked her daughter's forehead. "You're so stupid! I'm so smart. Why did I have such a stupid daughter? If you were half as capable as I am, you wouldn't be so bad at handling men!"

"Why don't you propose to him, then, since you're so tough? What's the use of blaming me?" Roxanne stormed upstairs. "Look at yourself! You certainly know how to treat me!"

Ingrid rolled her eyes. "I'll propose to him myself. You're useless! You need your mother to handle something this trivial!"

Since Shaun stepped down as Chairman, the Haynes family had fallen from Greyport's elite circle overnight. Their marriage postponement further compounded their woes. Ingrid and Roxanne were shunned from social gatherings. To regain their former glory, Roxanne needed to marry into the Everett family immediately. A successful marriage would drastically improve their social standing.

Ingrid preened herself and decided to meet Bruce in person. She would fight tooth and nail to keep him as her son-in-law. An hour later, she arrived at Everett Corporation. Her heart thumped as she gazed at the towering skyscraper—the tallest and most luxurious business building in Greyport, and Bruce's workplace. She imagined her daughter as the lady boss there.

"Just wait until my daughter marries into the Everett family! Mrs. Paul, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Roger, you'll all be kissing my feet!" Ingrid fastened her sling bag, put on her sunglasses, and strode confidently into the building like a model. She wore a rose-red hugging dress and a large vintage ruffle hat. Though in her forties, she looked ten years younger.

Everyone was stunned by the gorgeous and ostentatious woman—a colorful butterfly in a colorless world.

"Hold on, Madam! Only employees may enter." The guard stopped her.

Ingrid raised her chin, hands on her hips, and glared. "Is Mr. Everett in? I'm looking for him."

Overwhelmed by her domineering aura, the guard hesitated. "Just a moment, Madam!" He paged the security manager. "A lady in the lobby is asking for Mr. Everett!"

The security manager, seeing her on the surveillance footage, immediately reported her presence to Bruce's special assistant, Lily. Lily quickly descended to greet Ingrid, who was arguing with the manager.

"Do you know who I am? Do you recognize me?"

"I'm sorry, Madam! Outsiders need appointments. Please wait."

"I just spoke with Mr. Everett. I'm Mr. Everett's future mother-in-law! How dare you call me an outsider? You'll be fired tomorrow!"

The manager replied sheepishly, "I believe you, Madam. Please calm down. Mr. Everett's assistant will be here soon."

Lily arrived, greeting politely, "Hello Mrs. Haynes, please follow me!"

Ingrid said sourly, "You're Mr. Everett's assistant? How come you're a woman?"

Lily shrugged, not answering. "Mrs. Haynes, this way. Do you have an appointment with Mr. Everett?"

"I'm here to see my son-in-law. Do I need an appointment?"

"Mr. Everett is busy; everyone needs an appointment. I'll report back to Andy."

"All right. Be quick."

Lily used her elevator card and took Ingrid to the 32nd floor. Meanwhile, Bruce was working when Andy knocked.

"Mr. Everett, Mrs. Haynes is here!"

"Mrs. Haynes?" Bruce was puzzled.

"Ms. Roxanne's mother."

Bruce frowned. "What's she doing here?"

"No idea! She demanded to see you. She claimed to be your mother-in-law, so Mark didn't stop her and told me."

Bruce hesitated. He didn't want to see Ingrid, but she was an elder. "Let her in."

"Mrs. Haynes, this way! Mr. Everett will see you!"

"See? I told you! You don't need an appointment to see your son-in-law!" Ingrid followed Andy into Bruce's office.

"Wow!" It was far more luxurious than she imagined; the entire floor was his office, complete with a gym and a small golf course.

"Tsk! Tsk!" Ingrid marveled at the extravagance. "What a waste of space!"

Andy smiled silently.

Five minutes later, they reached Bruce's workspace.

"Hey, Mr. Everett Oh no, Bruce!"

"Mrs. Haynes, what brings you here?" Bruce stood and greeted her politely.

Ingrid smiled passionately, "I'm out shopping with friends, and I thought I'd stop by!"

Bruce frowned. "Have a seat, please."

"Mrs. Haynes, tea or coffee?"

"Coffee, please!"