Chapter 71

Bruce's heart ached at Joanna's state. He pulled her tightly into his arms.

"Joanna, I know I've hurt you. I'll try to make amends in the future"

The drug's effects stabilized Joanna's emotions. She didn't need Bruce's amends; some things were irreversible.

Coldly, she withdrew from his embrace. "Mr. Everett," she asked disdainfully, "why do you keep barging into the women's restroom?"

Bruce's words caught in his throat. He studied her suspiciously. She seemed on the verge of collapse, even hurting herself—a heartbreaking sight. Yet, in an instant, she was back to her aggressive self.

"Joanna, are you alright?"

She regained her composure. "Mr. Everett, that's a strange question. I should be asking if you're alright. If you keep barging into the ladies' room, you'll be arrested!"

He pointed to the hair on the ground. "You were hurting yourself."

"Ha! It's just hair. So what if it falls out? It grows back!"

Bruce was shocked. "Don't you feel pain tearing out so much hair?"

"I have an itchy scalp and like to pull my hair. Is there a problem?" She crossed her arms, glaring.

Bruce felt something was amiss but didn't want to agitate her. "Alright, alright. You win. By the way, clean out an office for me."

"What for?"

"I'm coming to work for the Haynes Group."

Joanna was speechless, her crossed arms falling. "You're coming to work for the Haynes Group?"

Bruce shrugged. "Yes. Problem?"

She snorted. "Mr. Everett, are you fooling around?" The Everett Group, with its billion-dollar assets, was Greyport's leading company. Why would he work for the Haynes Group?

"I'm serious! I'll take time off to work here."

Joanna's face darkened. "Bruce, what are you trying to do?"

He smiled solemnly. "Leave Jaydon and become my woman."

"You're about to be engaged to Roxanne! Don't you think you're going overboard?"

"I am getting engaged. So, will you be my lover?"

"You're shameless!"

Bruce exhaled, faintly smiling. "I won't allow you to date other men. You're my woman."

"Crazy bastard!" Joanna turned to leave.

Bruce grabbed her arm. "Joanna, who is the children's father? You're afraid of a paternity test because they're mine, aren't you?"

Joanna angrily pushed him away. "I've said my children have nothing to do with you!"

"Then why are you afraid of a paternity test?"

"Why would my children take a paternity test with you? Stop dreaming!"

Bruce shrugged. "Alright, if you say so. From today, I'm not asking about the past. You're my woman! You can't date other men, let alone let them touch you. Otherwise, you know the consequences!"

Joanna laughed angrily. "Why should I listen to you?"

"Because you rely on me!"

"I don't need you!"

"Alright then. I'll call the Stark Group president and tell him to rescind their contract with Haynes Group."

"Bruce, don't go overboard!" She hit his arm, furious. He knew how to drive her crazy!

He grabbed her, forcing her into a corner. "Hit me again, and I'll take you right here!"

"You lunatic!"

He laughed mockingly. "Leave Greyport to be rid of me. Otherwise, you're my woman."

"Fine. I'll be your woman. But what about Roxanne?"

Bruce paused. "She'll be my wife, you my lover. Problem?"

"Do you think Roxanne will agree?"

He smiled slyly. "It doesn't matter if she agrees or not. As long as you agree, it's done." He didn't want to give Roxanne the status of wife; she'd agree whether she wanted to or not.

"Never! I'll never agree!"