Chapter 79

"Mr. Everett" The chauffeur trembled with fear.

"Shut up!" The chauffeur, terrified, remained silent. He knew Bruce's temper and could only pray for their safety.

Margaret called as soon as Bruce arrived home. He frowned but answered. "Hello, Grandma!"

Margaret's voice came through. "Bruce, have dinner with me tonight!"

"Grandma, I'm tired. Can we do it another day?"

Margaret considered this before saying earnestly, "Bruce, I don't want to interfere, but you must consider the repercussions. Don't act recklessly! You're marrying Roxanne Haynes; don't get involved with her sister, Joanna. Gossip will harm the Everett Group!" Margaret had seen the photos of Bruce and Joanna kissing at the airport. The Everetts were Greyport's wealthiest family; their actions drew considerable attention. While she disliked Roxanne, Margaret valued her word and wouldn't allow Bruce to jeopardize his engagement.

Bruce sighed. "Got it, Grandma!"

"I asked you to bring Joanna's children. Why haven't you?"

Mentioning Joanna ignited Bruce's anger. He said curtly, "She claims they aren't Everett family. There's no need for you to see them." Margaret was silent.

"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up. I'll have dinner with you this weekend."

"Alright!"

After hanging up, Bruce sighed, lit a cigarette, and doubted Joanna's words. He was furious with her attitude and even more troubled by her ambiguous relationship with Jaydon.

The next day, a Rolls-Royce arrived at the Haynes Group. Margaret had come to see Joanna.

Joanna was surprised to see Margaret in person. She stood, greeting her politely and respectfully, "Hello, Grandma! Why are you here?"

Margaret, elegantly dressed in a retro dress, round glasses, and emerald jewelry, replied, "Joanna! It's been a long time. How are you?"

Joanna replied, "I'm fine, Grandma. Why are you here?" Margaret had supported Joanna and Bruce's marriage six years prior and treated Joanna well during their two years together; Joanna consequently still called her Grandma. Margaret sat, her demeanor dignified yet kind. "I came to see you."

"Oh. Please have some tea, Grandma!"

"No, thank you. Sit down." Margaret smiled reassuringly. Despite being the guest, Margaret's presence overshadowed Joanna's.

Uneasy, Joanna sat. "Grandma, please speak." Margaret paused. "I wanted to ask about the children."

"Grandma, I've already explained everything to Mr. Everett."

Margaret's gaze, kind yet piercing, fell upon Joanna. "Joanna, this is serious. If the children are Everett's, we'll take responsibility!"

Joanna said firmly, "I'm sorry, you've misunderstood. My children are not Everett's."

"I intend to find out."

"What do you want to do?"

"Bring the children so I can see them. We'll do a paternity test with Bruce. If they're not Everett's"

Joanna interrupted, "I'm sorry, but they are my children! You have no right to take them!"

"No, no, I won't take them! As a mother, I know how protective you are. Even if they are Everett's, I won't take them. But if you refuse, I'll consider other options." Margaret's gentle words held a chilling threat.

Joanna pondered. "Then I'll show you something, Grandma."

Joanna retrieved a folder from a safe. "Grandma, please look at this." She handed it to Margaret.

Margaret eyed her suspiciously. "What is this?"

"My children's birth certificates and paternity test results."

Margaret opened the folder. Inside were two officially stamped documents: the children's birth certificates listing Jaydon as the father, and paternity test results showing a 99% probability of paternity between Jaydon and the children.

Margaret adjusted her glasses, disappointment evident.

"You can appraise these certificates, Grandma. They're authentic. Please stop suspecting the children are Everett's." Joanna had forged the certificates, even altering the children's birth dates.

Margaret recovered. "In that case, sorry to disturb you." She stood to leave.

"It's alright, as long as the misunderstanding is cleared up."

At the door, Margaret paused. "One more thing."

"Please go ahead, Grandma."

"You and Bruce have a past, but he's marrying your sister. This reflects badly on everyone. Please distance yourself from Bruce."

Joanna replied coldly, "Grandma, you misunderstand. I never wanted anything to do with Mr. Everett! As long as he keeps his distance, I won't interfere. And please advise Mr. Everett not to interfere with the Haynes Group."