Chapter 85

Joanna returned to Greyport after dropping Davian and Irvin off at kindergarten. She hadn't yet arrived home when her phone rang.

Joanna answered, seeing that it was Shaun calling. She hesitated; she didn't want to answer. After yesterday's altercation with Ingrid, she assumed her father was calling to scold her. But the phone continued to ring.

Reluctantly, Joanna answered, "Hello, Dad."

Shaun's voice was dull. "Joanna."

"What's the matter, Dad?"

Shaun paused. "Well, I heard you and Ingrid had an unpleasant incident yesterday?"

Ingrid, upon returning home, had thrown a tantrum at Shaun, urging him to cut ties with Joanna. Shaun was caught in a difficult position.

Joanna frowned. "Why? Are you calling to reprimand me?"

"Sigh, your personality is becoming increasingly like your mother's. You're becoming more brusque and unreasonable! Things wouldn't have escalated if you'd listened to others' advice"

Joanna interrupted. "Dad, is there anything else? If not, I'll hang up. I have work to do."

Shaun hesitated, then quickly asked, "Mr. Everett and Roxy are getting engaged on the sixth of next month. Are you coming?"

Joanna paused. "I don't think so. My presence would only dampen everyone's mood." Shaun was relieved. He hadn't genuinely wanted her to attend, fearing she'd cause trouble.

"Alright then! I won't force you." He added, "You and Roxy are both my daughters. I hope you both find happiness. I don't want a repeat of six years ago!"

Joanna smiled wistfully. "Don't worry, Dad. I won't be there, let alone cause trouble."

"Good. Mr. Grimm is a good man. I like him. Bring him for dinner sometime."

Joanna tried to remain calm. "I don't think that's necessary, Dad. Please don't ask about my personal life in the future."

Chapter 85 (Continued)

She wasn't blind to his insincerity. She had once longed for her father's love, but those fantasies were shattered.

(Inner monologue) Joanna, why are you becoming so rebellious? You used to be so obedient! As a lady, you should be more docile

"Dad, the elevator's here. I have to go. Goodbye!" Joanna hung up.

The elevator arrived as she disconnected. Feeling lost, she entered, her head down. She was divorced from Bruce; her focus was on her children and the Haynes Group. Other matters didn't concern her.

"Ring!" The elevator reached her floor.

Joanna walked home, head down, and bumped into someone around a corner.

"I'm sorry" she mumbled.

The person remained silent, blocking her path. Joanna rubbed her forehead and looked up—it was Bruce. His handsome face was icy, his eyes red with anger, yet there was a hint of weariness.

Joanna's eyebrows twitched. "Mr. Everett, what are you doing here?"

Bruce's expression was cold. "Can't I be here?"

"You can be wherever you like. Please move. I'm going home!"

Bruce blocked her path. "Joanna, I want to ask you this: when did you cheat on me?"

Joanna tried to remain calm. "When did I cheat on you?"

"Grandma told me the children aren't mine."

"That's right! They aren't yours!"

Bruce gasped, his anger bubbling. He grabbed her chin. "You've been sleeping with Jaydon since we were married, haven't you?"

Joanna's eyes darted around in panic. Bruce's temper was notoriously bad.

"Mr. Everett, I never cheated. Jay and I only got together after our divorce."

"Ha! Is that so?" Bruce stepped closer, pressing her against the wall. He'd been questioning himself: who did he love? Could his relationship with Joanna continue?

Joanna panicked. "Mr. Everett, we're divorced! We've moved on. Please don't bother me!"

Bruce sneered. "Women are more heartless than men!"

"Whatever. You're about to be engaged! Stop pestering me!"

Bruce's anger flared.

"Mr. Everett, I'm going home. Please let go" Joanna tried to escape.

He grabbed her wrist, slamming her against the wall. "Joanna, I feel like strangling you! How could you cheat on me?"

"That's ridiculous, Mr. Everett! I only got with someone else after our divorce! Let go! We're adults!"

"Don't call me Mr. Everett, and don't pretend to be distant!" Bruce's breathing quickened. He felt his body heating up near her.

Joanna trembled. "Bruce, what do you want?"

He didn't know. His feelings were a mess. But his pride prevented him from admitting he couldn't let go.

He lowered his head and kissed her fiercely.

"Hey, don't do this! Help!" Joanna pushed him away, screaming.

"Thud!"

A neighbor opened his door. "What are you doing? Stop it! I'll call the police!"

Bruce turned, his eyes cold. The neighbor, recognizing Bruce Everett, the wealthiest man in Greyport, slammed the door shut.

Tracy, hearing the commotion, opened her door. "Miss Haynes, Mr. Everett"

Bruce reluctantly released Joanna. "Just wait. I won't give up." He left.

Joanna, trembling, leaned against the wall, catching her breath. Tracy helped her inside.

Joanna took antidepressants and lay on the sofa, gradually calming down.

The sixth of the month arrived quickly. Bruce and Roxanne's engagement party was at the Victoria Hotel, booked entirely for the event. Greyport's elite attended.

Jaydon called. "Joanna, are you really not going to Bruce and Roxanne's engagement party?"

Joanna chuckled. "Why would I? I have work."

"Dinner tonight?"

"Okay, see you then!"

She knew her presence wouldn't be welcome.

The party was lavish.

Guests included Margaret, who greeted people from the business and political worlds. Ingrid mingled excitedly.

The next step after the engagement party: the wedding. (End of Chapter 85)

The repeated "Chapter 85" headings have been removed, and the unnecessary "0/1/" and "07:18" have also been deleted. The text is much cleaner and easier to read. The unnecessary website promotion has also been removed.