Chapter 62

Joanna was terrified, fragile as a hunted rabbit. Facing the ferocious beast's attack, she could only tremble. Bruce kissed her fiercely. Then, he became ruthless.

"Ah help me!"

Pain consumed her. She was trapped, on the verge of collapse. She struggled, her long eyelashes trembling violently. Warm tears streamed down her face, soaking the pillow. Bruce, however, only grew more agitated by her weakness and struggle.

"Don't don't do this"

His eyes were bloodshot; he was consumed by a primal urge to conquer and hunt. Four years had passed. He'd been with other women, but each time, he subconsciously fantasized about Joanna, imagining them as her to achieve arousal. Now, he finally understood: his body craved her.

"Joanna, Joanna don't you love me very much? I'll give it to you!"

On their divorce day, Joanna had wanted him to call her name and make love to her one last time. He'd thought she couldn't leave him, but he hadn't anticipated her pride. She'd left without hesitation. Now, he kept calling her name, each time more intensely than the last. They made love all night, gradually ceasing at dawn.

It was 7 a.m. Joanna woke with a start.

"Hiss, I'm so dizzy!"

Her body ached; her head throbbed. A slight movement revealed she was resting her head on a muscular arm. Her mind reeled; she felt disoriented. Turning, she saw Bruce sleeping beside her. Reality crashed down: she'd been violated all night.

Bruce slept soundly, exhausted. Unaware she was awake, Joanna winced, afraid to wake him. He was difficult; if he knew she was awake, he'd continue to press her. She staggered off the bed, her legs aching, and fell back down. She couldn't find her phone. Recalling last night, she grew even more anxious.

The Haynes Group's collaboration with CI Technologies was crucial. Ending it would be devastating. She had to talk to David, even if it meant… sleeping with him. She'd grit her teeth and agree to his demands to save the collaboration.

After resting, she painfully got out of bed.

"Where am I?" she looked around for her clothes, then saw their wedding photo on the wall. Bruce's expression was cold, almost tearful; hers, small and submissive. He hadn't thrown it away.

"This is Reagan No. 8 Residence?" she stared at the photo, her heart aching. Their former home. The room was exactly as she'd left it. She opened the closet; her clothes remained untouched. The scene was heartbreaking. Tears flowed. But she couldn't afford sadness; she needed to find David.

She quickly dressed. There was no time to blame Bruce. Her focus was on saving the collaboration and explaining everything to David. She hurried downstairs.

"Good morning, Mrs. Everett!" Ms. Chain, the servant, greeted her with a smile, offering a glass of milk.

Joanna was stunned. She was divorced; she wasn't Mrs. Everett. If anyone found out she was with Bruce, she'd face harsh judgment. Society was forgiving towards men, especially wealthy ones; in such a situation, a woman would be blamed for seducing him.

"Ms. Chain, please let me use your phone!"

Ms. Chain was surprised. "Mrs. Everett, it's right there."

Joanna patted her head, grabbing the landline to call Cora.

"Hey, Cora."

"Miss Haynes, how can I help you?"

"Hurry up and pick me up at Reagan No. 8 Residence!"

"Got it!"

Joanna rushed out, Ms. Chain following. "Mrs. Everett, the milk!"

Joanna looked at her with mixed emotions. Ms. Chain remembered her habits—though after the divorce, Joanna had switched from morning milk to sugared coffee.