Chapter 60

“What’s there to fear about being engaged? Men cheat all the time!”

“Exactly. Engagement isn’t a big deal. Even if you’re married, you can still get a divorced!” “There’s a saying: where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

“Let’s go say hello to Mr. Everett!”

“I wouldn’t dare. I’m not that confident.”

“I’ll go, then.”

“I’ll go too.”

Several women, each holding a glass, approached Bruce in small groups. Seeing this, two others quickly grabbed drinks and joined them. Plenty of women were eager to be with someone of Bruce’s status.

After entering the venue, Bruce remained silent, going straight to a corner and sitting down. Several bodyguards immediately surrounded him, forming a semicircle.

“Mr. Everett, hello. I am…”

“Mr. Everett doesn’t drink. Thank you.” Two bodyguards immediately stopped the woman.

“I just wanted to say hello to Mr. Everett!”

The bodyguards remained silent, forcefully preventing the women from approaching. Several women left, disappointed at their failure.

Bruce sat on the couch, his expression cold and unyielding, looking every inch the honorable man. The bright lights illuminated his face, making him resemble a Grecian sculpture—extremely handsome.

“Mr. Everett, would you like a drink?”

“No.”

“Okay.”

Bruce was indeed fastidious. He refused the wine, food, and even the fruit. When he went out, he only drank the purified water brought by his assistant, costing over $150 a bottle. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd for Joanna. He searched thoroughly, but found no sign of her.

The party hadn't officially begun yet; Joanna was still upstairs. Bruce detested such occasions. Even in the corner, he felt the intense stares from all sides, making him deeply uncomfortable and eager to leave. However, the thought of Joanna made him hesitate.

He waited patiently for another ten minutes. The party officially started. A second-floor door opened slowly, revealing Joanna.

The mansion’s Y-shaped staircase had two flights leading upstairs, meeting at a central landing suitable for presentations. Joanna gracefully descended to the landing and waved to the guests below.

Speaking into the microphone, she announced, “Welcome to the party, everyone. Let’s have fun tonight!” Applause erupted, and all eyes were on Joanna.

“Wow, Miss Haynes looks gorgeous today! She’s the goddess of my dreams…”

Joanna wore a dark velvet backless gown with a high slit, showcasing her legs. The open back displayed her fair skin. Because her arms were still recovering, she wore black lace arm casts. Her hair was in a bun, and an expensive diamond necklace adorned her neck. She looked elegant and captivating.

“Here comes Miss Haynes! Here comes Miss Haynes!”

“Joan, long time no see!” David greeted her enthusiastically.

She smiled, shaking his hand and giving him a polite kiss on the cheek. “Long time no see!”

David’s brown eyes intently studied Joanna. “Joan, you’re gorgeous tonight!”

“Thank you.”

“Let me introduce you to my company…”

“Oh, can we not talk about work tonight?”

David raised an eyebrow, smiling. Joanna apologized, “Sorry.”

“Let’s welcome Miss Haynes and Mr. David for the opening dance!” The guests applauded.

David bowed and gestured for Joanna to join him. She smiled, taking his hand. He kissed the back of her hand, and they smiled at each other.

With beautiful music, they began to waltz. In the corner, Bruce watched them, his face darkening. It was the first time he’d seen Joanna in such a revealing and glamorous outfit, with heavy makeup. Although she was beautiful, he didn’t want so many people to see this side of her.

Bruce coughed, clearing his throat, then loosened his tie. He grabbed a glass of wine from a nearby table and drained it. He never drank so quickly at parties, but he felt the need to drink, anything, right then—even whiskey.

On the dance floor, Joanna and David finished their dance. After bowing, they left the floor. The emcee took over. Joanna and David found a quiet corner to sit.

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!” They clinked glasses and began to chat enthusiastically, as other guests joined the dance floor.

“Another toast!”

As hostess, Joanna couldn't refuse. After three drinks with David, her cheeks flushed.

“Cora!” Joanna lowered her glass and winked at Cora, signaling her to send some women to entertain David. “David, I’d like you to meet some beauties…”

Cora immediately summoned several attractive models. However, David seemed unimpressed, his attention solely on Joanna.

“Joan, it’s been so long! I have so much to tell you! I’m so glad to see you today! Let’s get wasted tonight!” David looked at her with an intense gaze.

Joanna managed a strained smile. “I can’t drink anymore…”

“No, no, no. I know how much you can drink! Let’s have another! I won’t be happy if you don’t!” Joanna had no choice but to accept another drink.

She wasn’t a heavy drinker. After a dozen glasses of red wine, she became intoxicated and started to sweat.

“Joan, you’re really gorgeous tonight!” David leaned in, wiping the sweat from her face.

Joanna, completely drunk, slumped onto the couch.

“Joan, let’s have another drink. I’m not satisfied yet…” Despite her inebriation, David continued to offer her drinks.

In the corner, Bruce’s face hardened. He’d been trying to be patient, considering his impending engagement to Roxanne. He’d wanted to avoid gossip, but he could no longer stand it. Chapter 60