Chapter 5

"Please say something, Mrs. Haynes!" the reporters pleaded.

Ingrid smiled politely and replied confidently, "Thank you for your concerns. Mr. Everett and my daughter's wedding will proceed as planned. The details of the time and location are not for public disclosure. Please respect the couple's privacy. Thank you!"

"What about Raymond's will? Is it true Joanna will take over Haynes Group?"

"That's a rumor. The Haynes Group is too large to be entrusted to an inexperienced individual."

Ingrid knew Joanna well. As a child, Joanna had been timid and easily influenced. However, Ingrid was confident she could manipulate Joanna into relinquishing control of Haynes Group.

Meanwhile, Joanna and Jaydon left the cemetery.

"Joanna, are you taking over Haynes Group?" one reporter asked.

"Did Raymond bequeath the family headship to you?" asked another.

"Yes," Joanna replied calmly.

The single word felt like a slap to Ingrid's face.

"Ms. Haynes, may we see the will's contents?" a reporter asked.

"Regarding the will, I've delegated full authority to my lawyer. A press conference will announce its contents. Thank you for your concern," Joanna responded.

Ingrid's mouth twitched in embarrassment as she glared at Joanna. This little bitch, she thought. She's changed considerably in just a couple of years.

"Joanna, don't speak to the reporters! Did you consult your father or the Board of Directors before attempting to usurp your father's position as Chairman? The man's barely in the ground!" Ingrid sneered.

Joanna turned, meeting Ingrid's gaze directly. "I'm following Grandpa's wishes. Contact my lawyer with any questions or complaints."

Ignoring Ingrid, Joanna left with Jaydon.

"Joanna!" Ingrid's face flushed with anger. She couldn't believe Joanna's transformation. It must be Jaydon's influence, she thought. Otherwise, Joanna wouldn't dare treat me this way.

Three days later, a board meeting convened at Haynes Tower. Shaun, Ingrid, Derick, Ryan, Roger, Paul, and, unusually, Bruce, were present. Bruce, holding 15% of Haynes Group shares, had never been involved in management, having purchased his shares purely out of goodwill.

"Mr. Everett's here too," Roger and Paul whispered, fawning over Bruce as if he controlled the company.

Bruce remained aloof, but his presence intimidated the others. Joanna arrived, impeccably dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and black-rimmed glasses, her hair neatly tied back. Her makeup was subtle yet effective, creating a professional and attractive appearance.

"Non-essential personnel, please leave. This is a board meeting, not a family discussion," Joanna announced, addressing Ingrid and her stepbrothers with indifference.

Ingrid's anger flared. "Aggressive, aren't you? Acting like you're already Chairman. Everyone here is more qualified than you to lead Haynes Group. An immature girl like you can't handle it!"

Derick slammed the table, standing up. "Mom's right! Who are you to take Dad's seat? Grandpa was senile! Get out!"

Joanna's lawyer, Mr. Brycen, intervened. "Mr. and Mrs. Haynes, please behave yourselves! Otherwise, my client will sue for intimidation and libel."

"Who are you to threaten me?" Derick scoffed.

Joanna calmly summoned her assistant, and eight security guards entered. "Non-essential personnel, please leave."

"I'm staying!" Derick challenged.

The guards, while polite, made it clear they would remove anyone who refused to leave. Derick, emboldened, became more arrogant. "Joanna, who do you think you are? Don't push me, or I'll slap you!" He lunged toward Joanna.

He had always been the favored heir, and his rage over his disinheritance was evident. As Derick swung, Bruce reacted instinctively, but Joanna dodged, then pushed Derick into the desk, cutting his lip.

"Rick! Are you alright?" Ingrid wailed.

"Remove them," Joanna instructed.

The security guards swiftly ejected Ingrid and her sons. Joanna, noticing blood on her hands, excused herself to the restroom. As she turned on the tap, Bruce entered.