Chapter 69

Everyone was so frightened, their hearts trembled. Joanna had reached a dead end. Instead of relying on Mr. Everett, she was being incredibly rude to him.

"Joanna, how can you talk to Mr. Everett like that?" "You messed things up! What right do you have to be angry? Apologize to Mr. Everett!" "Mr. Everett, please don't be angry! Miss Haynes is young. I apologize on her behalf!"

Joanna was speechless. Bruce had messed things up! If he hadn't beaten David, the Haynes Group's collaboration with CI Technologies wouldn't have failed. Yet, no one blamed Bruce; they blamed Joanna.

Bruce looked around, ignoring Joanna's furious glare. "I heard you shouting. Some of you want to quit the Haynes Group?"

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul exchanged embarrassed glances.

"You want to sell your shares? That's great. I'm considering buying. Who wants to quit? I'll buy back your shares at market price!"

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul were dumbfounded. They each made millions annually with the Haynes Group. They hadn't seriously considered quitting; they'd merely intended to pressure Joanna into resigning, knowing she lacked the funds to buy their shares. Bruce, however, could easily afford it.

"Mr. Everett, we were just discussing with Miss Haynes! We don't want to quit! She's the one who wants us to leave."

"Really? I heard Miss Haynes is collaborating with the Stark Group from Nory."

Mr. Roger's eyes widened. "When did that happen?"

"In the last few days!" Bruce smiled faintly.

The Stark Group, a Nory-based company comparable to CI Technologies and a long-time partner of the Everett Group, was a significant development. Joanna was stunned. What was Bruce doing? She had no such agreement with the Stark Group.

Bruce produced a document, feigning surprise. "Didn't you sign this contract, Miss Haynes? You haven't told everyone about this good news?"

Joanna was speechless, staring at Bruce in disbelief. Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul snatched the contract and confirmed its authenticity—a collaboration agreement between the Haynes Group and the Stark Group, awaiting only Joanna's signature.

"The Stark Group has already signed. We're just waiting for Miss Haynes's signature," Bruce said calmly, his sharp eyes playfully scanning the room. "Wonderful news, isn't it? Surprising?"

"When did Miss Haynes make this deal?"

A chill ran down Joanna's spine as she glared at Bruce. He smiled, clearly enjoying her surprise.

The previous night, Bruce had contacted the Stark Group's president. To maintain their relationship with the Everett Group, the Stark Group had to also collaborate with the Haynes Group, supplying them first. Unable to lose the Everett Group's business, they agreed. Bruce quickly printed the contract and had it signed by a representative. His bold move turned the situation around.

"With the Stark Group as a supplier, the Haynes Group will prosper. Why quit now? Miss Haynes and I will share the profits if you don't want this opportunity. If you want to leave, sign the repurchase agreement today!"

"No, no, no!" Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul exclaimed, stunned by the sudden reversal.

Joanna was completely shocked. She hadn't expected Bruce's intervention.

"It was a misunderstanding! We were just anxious about the failed collaboration with CI Technologies."

"I've been with the Haynes Group for years; I can't quit!"

Bruce smiled at Joanna. "That depends on Miss Haynes's decision!"

Mr. Roger apologized profusely. "Miss Haynes, please forgive me! I spoke out of anger. I take it back! I won't quit!" Mr. Paul quickly echoed his sentiments.

Everyone loved money, and it motivated their actions.

Joanna stared blankly at Bruce. This damn bastard. Another one of his traps?

"Miss Haynes was testing you. You lack loyalty. It's easy to share happiness, but hard to share hardship!" Bruce leaned back, a teasing expression on his face.

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul were embarrassed, but understood Bruce's support of Joanna. The Haynes Group wouldn't collapse with Bruce's backing; losing CI Technologies paled in comparison to losing his support.

Shaun's face paled. His future son-in-law had sided with the opposition at this critical juncture. He felt a surge of anger and chest pains. He was close to regaining control of the Haynes Group, only to see Bruce pull Joanna from the brink.

"Mr. Haynes, what's wrong?" "My heart is uncomfortable. I must leave."

Shaun left with a dark expression. Bruce looked at Joanna with an ambiguous, smug expression, clearly seeking credit. Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul, sensing Bruce's feelings for Joanna, discreetly excused themselves. Other executives followed suit.

Joanna began to leave. Bruce blocked her path. "Leaving so soon?"

"Bruce, what are you playing at?" "What do you mean? Shouldn't you be thanking me?"