Chapter 51

“What the hell is going on? Did you break up with Roxy?”

Bruce sighed, but didn't reply.

Ingrid immediately knew she was right. She began screaming, “How could you do this to Roxy? If anything happens to her, I’ll hang myself at the Everett Corporation’s doorstep! You’re heartless! You dated her for six years, wasting her youth, and now you’re leaving her? I won’t live!”

Shaun sighed deeply, his face sad. “We’re at the hospital. Don’t make a scene. Wait until Roxy’s operation is over.”

“I don’t care! If anything happens to Roxy, I’ll hang myself at the entrance of Everett Corporation! Everyone will see what a heartless man you are! Roxy, please stay alive! How will we cope if something happens to you?”

Ingrid thumped her chest, creating a dramatic scene that drew everyone’s attention. She’d used this same tactic before, forcing Joanna’s mother to leave, ultimately leading to Shaun marrying her. Now, she was using it again, this time to get her daughter into the Everett family. Her daughter was too shy, but Ingrid was experienced. She was sure the Everetts would act to protect their reputation.

People gathered. “What’s going on?”

“Mr. Everett’s fiancée is trying to kill herself!”

“Huh? This is huge! Film it and post it online!”

A doctor rushed over. “Please be quiet! No noise in the hospital. Calm down!”

“How can I calm down when my daughter is dying? My poor daughter! Mr. Everett wasted six years of her youth and dumped her! Are you bullying us because you’re rich and powerful? Explain yourselves! What did Roxy do?” Shaun’s head throbbed. “What are you talking about? Stop it!” He turned to Bruce. “Mr. Everett, explain yourself! Don’t be silent!”

Ingrid knew the Everetts valued their reputation. This public tantrum would usually force compliance. Margaret, alarmed, rushed over. “Mrs. Haynes, please calm down! Tell me what’s wrong.”

Seeing Margaret, Ingrid became even more unreasonable. Sobbing, she complained, “You’re finally here, Old Mrs. Everett. My daughter tried to kill herself! Roxy is a sensitive girl. You can’t treat us like this! It’s Mr. Everett’s fault! You must explain and find a solution!”

Margaret took a deep breath. “Don’t be so upset! If Bruce did something wrong, we’ll make it right.”

“Roxy’s our spoiled princess! You can’t just chase her away with money!”

“I know. Let’s talk. Don’t be so agitated.”

“I don’t care! Mr. Everett must explain, or I’ll go to the press and expose the Everetts!” Margaret frowned. Ingrid’s outburst would severely damage Everett Corporation.

“They’re operating on Roxy. Calm down. We’ll talk after. We’ll give Roxy a proper explanation and make sure she isn’t wronged.” Ingrid, appeased by Margaret’s promise, stopped her outburst, but continued to weep. “Roxy, wake up!”

Bruce sat dejectedly near the operating room, smoking incessantly. Six years with Roxanne, and now a sudden breakup – it was understandable she was devastated. He knew he was at fault.

Meanwhile, Joanna woke in her ward. Hearing about Roxanne’s suicide attempt, she was shocked. Roxanne was her sister! She rushed to find out what was happening.

“What’s going on? How’s Roxy?”

Ingrid stormed toward Joanna. “Joanna Haynes, this is all your fault! You’ve been flirting with Mr. Everett, you shameless bitch! Are you satisfied now that Roxy tried to kill herself?”

Joanna was bewildered. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know! You’ve been flirting with Mr. Everett. If it weren’t for you, Roxy wouldn’t have done this! If anything happens to Roxy, I won’t let you get away with it!” Joanna ignored Ingrid and looked at Bruce. “Get up. What’s going on?”

Seeing Joanna speak to Bruce enraged Ingrid further. “How dare you talk to him? You’re shameless! Admit it!”

She then turned on Shaun. “Look at your wonderful daughter! Six years ago, she ruined Roxy’s marriage and took her place. Now she’s doing it again! She’s a devil! If it weren’t for her, why would Mr. Everett break up with Roxy?”

Shaun was angry, too. He disliked Joanna already, and this only made things worse. “Joanna, stay away from Bruce! Six years ago you created a mess, and now you’re doing it again! Why are you after your sister’s boyfriend? There are plenty of men in Greyport!”

Joanna’s face paled. The blood rushed to her head.