Chapter 80

Margaret, a proud woman, understood Joanna's meaning. Knowing her grandson's personality well, and judging by Joanna's words, she recognized Joanna's strength and pride. Some of the blame likely rested with Bruce.

Margaret looked kindly at Joanna. "Don't worry. I'll advise Bruce. No matter what, the Haynes Group is your grandfather's life's work. I don't want it to suffer."

"Thank you, Grandma!"

"Goodbye!"

"Goodbye, Grandma!" Joanna saw Margaret downstairs.

Once Margaret was gone, Joanna sighed with relief, though still nervous, praying Margaret could manage Bruce. She was confident in managing the Haynes Group, provided Bruce didn't interfere.

Bruce returned to the Everett mansion as promised that weekend, keeping his weekly dinner with his grandmother. At dinner, he feigned nonchalance. "Grandma, I heard you saw Joanna?"

"Yes," Margaret replied calmly.

After a pause, Bruce pressed, "And?"

"That's all."

Bruce took a sip of ginseng soup, his gaze unfocused. Margaret sighed, observing his reaction.

"The children aren't of the Everett family. Don't make things difficult for Joanna in the future."

Bruce's heart tightened. The spoon clattered into his bowl. "How did you know, Grandma?"

Margaret put down her cutlery. "Joanna showed me the children's birth certificates and paternity test results. I checked; they're authentic. The children aren't Everett's."

Blood rushed to Bruce's head; hatred flared. Joanna had cheated on him! He yearned for immediate retribution.

Margaret continued, observing his reaction, "In business, we prioritize benefits, but keeping promises is paramount. The Everett family's success is built on keeping promises and being magnanimous. The Haynes Group was Raymond Haynes' life's work. When your grandfather illegally immigrated to Greyport, he was destitute and alone. Raymond took him in, helping him through the hardest times. Never forget your roots! I don't want to see the Haynes Group destroyed!"

Greyport in the 1960s and 70s, before the country's reforms and opening up, was cruel to illegal immigrants from Porash and surrounding areas. Men were often killed; women were sold into prostitution. Raymond, a Greyport local, had saved Bruce's grandfather. After over forty years of hard work, the Everett family became Greyport's wealthiest; they, in turn, supported the Haynes family.

"Be magnanimous with Joanna. She's struggling to raise three children alone. Don't interfere with, or secretly suppress, the Haynes Group."

Bruce was silent for a moment. "I understand, Grandma."

Margaret stood, preparing to leave. "You're engaged to the Haynes' daughter next month. Stop your philandering! Get married; you're not getting any younger. Give me a great-grandson!"

Bruce protested, "You'll live to be a hundred, Grandma! A great-great-grandson!"

"Don't be cheeky! Call the Hayneses to discuss the engagement."

"I'll arrange it, Grandma."

"I'll help this time. Don't make any more mistakes!"

"Alright, alright!"

That evening, Margaret invited Shaun and Ingrid to discuss the wedding. Ingrid was ecstatic. "Margaret called! This marriage is finally happening! Roxy, you must do well this time!"

Roxanne smiled, but her heart ached. She sensed Bruce's love was gone; marriage would only grant her the title of Mrs. Everett.

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