Chapter 7

"What? Are you going to throw yourself at me?"

Bruce turned around disdainfully, only to see a furious Joanna lunging at him, brandishing her high heels like a lion cub. Before he knew it, he'd been hit over a dozen times.

"Why are you always so mean to me? What do I owe you? Huh? Why are you so arrogant and full of crap!"

Stunned, Bruce forgot to fight back. He stood rigid, absorbing the blows.

For all the years he'd known Joanna, she'd been timid as a lamb, barely daring to speak loudly, let alone hit anyone. But now, she was striking him with her high heels—it was utterly unbelievable.

"Stop that, woman! Don't force me to fight back."

Ignoring his threat, Joanna kicked him between the legs with all her might. She wasn't the same weak, cowardly Joanna she used to be. If anyone messed with her, she fought back.

"Ow!" Bruce yelped, caught off guard by the blow to his crotch. The pain made his eyebrows twitch. "How dare you kick me?"

"I'll kick you again if you continue to offend me. We'd better stay out of each other's way. Don't think I'm afraid of you."

Bruce stared at Joanna in disbelief. She had really changed. This woman had transformed from a lamb into a much wilder creature.

"Oh, you're asking for it, woman!" Bruce snapped, grabbing Joanna's arm and shoving her against the sink. He'd never been beaten before, especially not in that area—the most cherished part of him! If he weren't so tall, he might be a eunuch right now. This woman was insane.

He pressed her against the sink, but Joanna fought back fiercely with hands and feet.

That's when the bodyguard at the door heard the commotion and burst in!

"Mr. Everett I'm sorry!" he stammered, hastily slamming the door shut. He couldn't be blamed for misinterpreting the situation; Bruce and Joanna were, indeed, in compromising positions.

The bodyguard lingered at the door, stroking his chest. "Phew, that was close. I almost interrupted Mr. Everett. I didn't expect that, after four years, Ms. Haynes is still so good with men. Hmm, there's something about that woman. She managed to hook up with her ex-husband even though she's with Mr. Grimm! Oh, man, poor Mr. Everett. He's fallen into her trap twice now."

Joanna, pale and disheveled, angrily pushed Bruce away.

"Bruce Everett, you're insulting both of us. If you disrespect me again, don't blame me for being rude. This is purely business; I want nothing to do with you privately."

Bruce snorted. "You think I want anything to do with you? That's ridiculous."

He ran the wealthiest family in Greyport; he was a star. Countless people flattered him. This was the first time anyone had refused him. It seemed he'd made the right decision to come here.

"Just you wait, you scheming woman. I'll make your life miserable!"

With an evil smile, Bruce adjusted his tie and strode out of the bathroom.

Back in the conference room, Joanna, having touched up her makeup, entered, immediately drawing everyone's attention. They looked at her with contempt.

Bruce slouched back, his thumb toying with his lips—a gesture that convinced everyone they'd just had sex in the restroom. Given Joanna's history and her presence in the restroom, they were certain of it. After all, she'd done the same thing to Bruce six years ago, forcing his sister to marry into the Everett family.

Joanna noticed the knowing glances. Her face fell.

"Let's begin," she said crisply.

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul straightened up, adopting serious expressions. Shaun, livid, glared at Joanna, then at Bruce. He was furious. He'd never liked his eldest daughter. He decided if Joanna interfered with Roxy and Bruce's relationship again, he'd cut her off. "Joanna, most here are older and more experienced than you. Don't be so serious. It's rude. My father has spoken with Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul. We agreed you could work here, starting at the bottom. Once you're familiar with operations and management, we can consider"

Joanna's face hardened, cutting him off. "Dad, I'm calling this meeting to announce that, as of next month, I will inherit 51% of the Haynes Group, per my grandfather's will, becoming executive director. There will be personnel changes, so be prepared."

Shaun's face darkened. His daughter was not only threatening her sister's relationship but also her brothers' inheritance. "Joanna, you're too young and naive. Running a company isn't as easy as you think."

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul sneered. "Joanna, the Haynes Group is your grandfather's life's work, and we've all dedicated years to it. It's not child's play; it's not that we look down on you, but a young woman with no experience can't handle this burden."

Joanna smiled confidently. She produced several stacks of documents and had her assistant distribute them.

"Here's my experience from overseas, if you'd like to see it."

"Director of Planning and Vice President of CI Technologies"

Mr. Roger and Mr. Paul stared in disbelief. CI Technologies was a top 50 global company, specializing in R&D, robotics, automobiles, appliances, even jewelry. And Joanna was a director and vice president there? How was that possible?

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