Chapter 67
Bruce and Joanna exited the airport, engaged in a silent tug-of-war. Suddenly, Bruce spotted Jaydon anxiously watching from outside the gate. A cruel smile spread across Bruce's face. He swiftly pulled Joanna into his arms and kissed her fiercely, her neck bending sharply. Joanna cried out, struggling against his hold, but he only tightened his grip.
The airport onlookers stared. Cora froze in fear. Jaydon, his eyes bloodshot, raced toward the gate, shouting, "Bruce, let go of Joanna!" A fence blocked his path, preventing him from reaching Bruce. Finally, Bruce released Joanna, their lips red and swollen from the forceful kiss.
"Bruce, are you crazy?!" Joanna cried, enraged.
Bruce smirked, his arm still around her shoulder, and taunted Jaydon, "She's already slept with me! You should leave her." Jaydon felt a shock, his fists clenching.
"Joanna, is this true?" he asked.
Joanna, pained, closed her eyes, unable to answer.
"Joanna, tell him," Bruce urged.
Joanna slapped him hard. Bruce stared, his cheek burning. Joanna, trembling with rage and tears streaming down her face, looked like a wounded animal. She retreated and fled.
"Joanna!" Jaydon cried, chasing after her.
Bruce remained rooted to the spot, pondering Joanna's furious gaze. A fleeting moment of guilt washed over him, but it quickly vanished. He was confident he could handle the consequences; even if the Haynes Group failed, he could easily invest in a new company for Joanna.
Chapter 67
Joanna found a secluded corner, sobbing uncontrollably. The Haynes Group, her source of strength and confidence, was now jeopardized. She had irrevocably alienated CI Technologies and faced the wrath of her fellow shareholders. The company's precarious financial situation made the future look bleak.
The next day, Roger, Paul, and other Haynes Group executives arrived early at the office, along with a hurried Shaun, upon hearing of the failed collaboration with CI Technologies.
In the conference room, Roger sighed, expressing his worry. Paul blamed Joanna, reminding everyone she had promised to secure the CI Technologies Greyport dealership, a promise that led to her appointment as chairwoman. The company had already lost all its profits for the year. They tried to call Joanna, but she wasn't answering.
Shaun, secretly pleased, reminded everyone of his previous warnings about Joanna's inexperience and inability to handle such a significant role. He saw this as his opportunity to reclaim his rightful place in the Haynes family, a legacy he intended for his own son, not Joanna.
Roger urged them to contact Joanna and, if necessary, force her resignation. The recent stock market volatility and the now-failed CI Technologies deal left him stressed and exhausted.
The shareholders openly criticized Joanna.
The door swung open, and Joanna entered, dressed simply in a white shirt and suit pants, without a coat. Despite the makeup, her exhaustion and swollen eyes were evident.
Roger immediately confronted her, demanding an explanation. The others echoed his sentiments.
Joanna apologized repeatedly, but they demanded results, not apologies.
Shaun joined the chorus of criticism, attacking Joanna’s rashness and demanding her resignation before the company's complete downfall.