Chapter 68

"We've failed miserably! This was too risky. Young people are so rash!"

"It seems Mr. Haynes will have to clean up this mess."

"Exactly! You even signed that betting agreement with Mr. Everett! Joanna, I hate to say it, but you overestimated yourself!" "Resign as chairwoman before you're cornered! That way, we can all keep our jobs!" "Otherwise, in three years, the Haynes Group will have nothing left!"

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul abandoned all pretense of politeness. They lectured Joanna like elders scolding juniors.

Joanna sat stunned, speechless. What could she say? Unless she found a supplier better than CI Technologies! But even that wouldn't solve her immediate problem.

"Dear shareholders, I feel guilty. I take full responsibility for this," she said. "However, the three-year deadline hasn't passed. Even if I wanted to leave, I can't until then"

Mr. Roger's face showed shock and disdain. "What? You intend to continue for three years?"

Mr. Paul was furious. "Why not have Mr. Haynes ask Mr. Everett to revoke the betting agreement? He's Mr. Everett's future father-in-law; Everett will show him some respect."

Shaun seized on this. He sighed dramatically and said, "Joanna, I'll help you talk to Mr. Everett. But then you must hand over the stock rights! Just keep your shares and step away from management. Don't worry, I'll treat you fairly."

Joanna stared coldly at Shaun. He still wanted control of the Haynes Group! Her grandfather's life's work was at stake; handing it to Shaun would be the same as giving it to Ingrid. She wouldn't let Ingrid destroy it.

"I won't resign. If any of you want out, the Haynes Group will buy back your shares."

This was aimed at Shaun, who still held 10%. Buying his shares would remove him from the company.

"You" Shaun sputtered, seething with rage.

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul, already angered, felt Joanna's words were contemptuous.

"Fine! I withdraw from the board! Miss Haynes, buy back my 15% shares!"

Mr. Paul echoed, "Me too."

Joanna's heart sank. 15% each meant roughly 400 million dollars! The Haynes Group had less than 10 million. She had Bruce's 100 million, enough for Shaun's shares, but not for Roger and Paul. Seeing them turn against her, Shaun grew bolder. [Remove the promotional sentence about the website.]

"It's simple: you leave or buy our shares. Joanna, you're a woman. Don't waste your energy. You have three children; go home and care for them. This business is beyond you."

Joanna's eyes filled with despair. Bruce had truly hurt her. This time, she felt she couldn't cope. The shareholders were turning against her; the atmosphere was tense.

The conference room door opened. Bruce, impeccably dressed, entered. Silence fell immediately.

"Board meeting?" he asked smoothly.

"Mr. Everett! What an honor!" Roger and Paul bowed.

Shaun hastily offered Bruce his seat.

Bruce smiled confidently, striding to the center of the room before sitting beside Joanna.

Joanna's fury flared. He was here to gloat.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, frustrated and despairing.

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Isn't this a board meeting? I'm a shareholder."

"Bruce, stop this," Joanna pleaded, her voice trembling.

Roger and Paul were shocked.