Chapter 77

Bruce’s voice, though not loud, carried an undeniable pressure that left people breathless. Ingrid’s face paled, her lips pursed as discomfort washed over her. She dared not directly ask if Bruce had been seeing other women. Given the circumstances, Bruce even going through with the wedding to Roxanne would be a miracle. If he cancelled, their family would become the laughingstock of Greyport. Ingrid might cause trouble for Joanna, but not Bruce.

"Bruce, that's not what I meant!"

Bruce, leaning against the sofa with a deep frown and his long legs crossed, replied, "Then what did you mean?"

Ingrid, thinking quickly, said, "You're about to get married, so you should spend more time with Roxanne! Why are you always with Joanna when you're free? People will gossip!"

Bruce sneered, his hawk-like eyes blinking, radiating a menacing aura. "Who's gossiping? What gossip?"

"Well… didn't you see the online news? Everyone's spreading nasty rumors!"

"Are their rumors as nasty as your insults just now?"

Choked and speechless, Ingrid stammered, "No, Bruce, I was angry! My words were unpleasant. I just hope everything is fine between you and Roxanne. She's simple-minded and stubborn sometimes. You know what happened last time; she almost lost her life! What if something like that happens again?"

Bruce frowned, saying without looking up, "You're using the same trick again. It won't work if you overuse it! I've agreed to marry Roxanne, and I won't go back on my word! As for my personal life, I don't want anyone's interference!"

Ingrid's heart pounded. She feared offending her wealthy son-in-law.

"I didn't mean to interfere. It's just that…"

Before she could finish, Bruce stood. "I'm working. If you have nothing else to say, go home. And if you dare return to the Haynes Group and cause trouble for Joanna again, I will make the Haynes family regret it."

Ingrid’s heart skipped a beat. Bruce's disdain was growing. All she could do was swallow her anger.

The other women quickly pulled Ingrid away. "Let's go! Let's go back!"

Ingrid, choked with fury, glared viciously at Joanna. "Joanna, you're Roxanne's older sister. Know your limits! Don't constantly try to take your sister's things. I won't control you, but your father has heart disease and high blood pressure. If anything happens to him, you'll regret it!"

She turned and left. As the five women reached the elevator, Jaydon hurried out.

Ingrid’s fury intensified. "Mr. Grimm, you're finally here! Control your girlfriend! Don't let her seduce other people's men! Don't you feel betrayed?"

Jaydon's handsome face darkened. Ignoring Ingrid, he headed toward Joanna's office.

Employees watched and whispered.

"Wow, Mr. Grimm's here too! This is getting exciting!" "Do you think Mr. Grimm and Mr. Everett will fight?" "It's possible! Two titans clashing!" "So much drama! We're blessed!"

Cora, with a cold expression, reprimanded them. "Get back to work! Gossiping will be punished!"

The employees, silenced, returned to their desks. The Haynes Group employed over a thousand; Joanna’s office building alone housed dozens more.

Meanwhile, in Joanna's office:

"Joanna, everything's fine! I warned Ingrid. She won't dare cause trouble again."

Joanna, leaning against her desk, ran a hand through her hair. "Bruce, I'm weary. Please stay away from me."

Bruce took her shoulders, nuzzling her hair. "I'll look after you, no matter what. What else worries you?"

Joanna suddenly raised her head and screamed, "I don't want anything to do with you! Do you understand?!"

Bruce looked at her calmly. After a few seconds, he said, "I know you still love me. Why reject me like this? If you're playing hard to get, it won't work on me."

Joanna's fury erupted. She slammed her fists on the table. "I don't love you! I haven't loved you since our divorce!"

"I'm begging you, stop being so narcissistic!"

"If you didn't love me, you wouldn't react so strongly when I touch you! Your body doesn't lie!"

Joanna trembled with rage. Bruce, cruel and relentless, wouldn't stop until he got his way. No woman could remain calm under his relentless pursuit.

"You crazy bastard! Stop talking!"

"Joanna, stop lying to yourself!" Bruce wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Let go of me, don't touch me…"

Their struggle was interrupted by the opening of the office door.

"Joanna!" Jaydon was shocked at the scene.

Joanna turned, her face paling. "Jay, why are you here?"

She struggled against Bruce's hold, but he was too strong.

"Hmph! Jaydon, what are you doing here?" Bruce sneered, pulling Joanna toward him.

"Bruce, let go of Joanna!"

Bruce raised an eyebrow, looking cruelly at Jaydon. "I've told you before. If you continue to bother Joanna, I won't be polite!"

Jaydon approached, his face cold. "Let her go! Or I won't be polite either!"

"Joanna has slept with me and agreed to be my woman! Are you sure you want to fight me for her?"

"Joanna, is it true?"

Joanna gasped, closing her eyes in agony.

"Bruce, that's enough! I've had enough! The person I love is Jay! The children are his too! Believe it or not!"

Bruce's eyes turned cold. "I don't believe you."

"Jay and I were childhood sweethearts! We've loved each other for a long time, and he's a hundred times better than you!" Joanna lied, desperate to stop his pursuit.