Chapter 93

At the hospital, Margaret had been hospitalized for over a week, but her condition had stabilized. Today was her discharge day.

"Grandma, be careful!" Bruce said, assisting her into a wheelchair. Four healthcare workers and two family doctors attended to her, but Bruce remained anxious.

Margaret’s speech was slightly slurred from the stroke. "It's okay," she said. "Don't be so nervous."

"I'll take you home, Grandma," Bruce offered.

"Alright!" she replied. Then, "Bruce, you've been here for days! Work is important. You should go to the office tomorrow."

"Grandma, I'll care for you for a few more days," Bruce insisted. "Your health is paramount. I'll return to the office after you've fully recovered."

Margaret shook her head. "I'm truly fine. Many people are looking after me. You can't neglect your work."

"Alright then," Bruce conceded. "I'll go to the office tomorrow."

Margaret paused, sighing. "The engagement with Roxanne must be handled properly. Don't cause any more trouble! Negative rumors about the Everett Group are spreading."

Bruce frowned. "Yes, I understand. Don't worry, Grandma." He glanced out the car window, wanting to avoid further stressing his ill grandmother. He decided to postpone addressing the Roxanne engagement issue.

The next day, back at the Everett Group, his assistant Andy and secretary Mark approached him urgently. "Mr. Everett, something terrible has happened!"

"What is it?" Bruce demanded.

"The deals with the Neorace Group and the Skywinds Group are lost!" they reported.

Bruce's face darkened. "What happened?"

"During Margaret's hospitalization, you weren't reachable. A competitor offered a price 2 percent lower than the Everett Group's, so those two companies switched."

Bruce frowned. The Everett Group had the lowest market price; a 2 percent underbid was disruptive and constituted unfair competition. Losing these two major clients wouldn't cripple the Everett Group, the leading enterprise in Greyport with a monopoly on various industries. However, this felt like a deliberate attempt to steal business. "Which company did they work with?" he asked.

"The Haynes Group," Andy replied.

"The Haynes Group?" Bruce exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise. Andy confirmed, "Yes, the contract was signed yesterday."

Bruce was furious. He realized the Haynes Group likely knew about his relationship with Joanna, thus daring to poach Everett Group clients for higher profit margins. The Everett Group's connection to the Haynes Group likely deterred retaliation.

At the Haynes Group, Joanna was in high spirits, having recently secured two significant deals, solidifying the company's position.

"Today's meeting announces good news!" she declared. The employees, already aware, cheered. "The Haynes Group has signed two major deals! If we meet our yearly targets, year-end bonuses will double…"

Before the celebration could begin, a loud "Bang!" echoed as the conference room door burst open. Cora and Luna rushed in, panicked. "Miss Haynes, Mr. Everett is here!"

Joanna was stunned. Bruce entered, his somber demeanor accentuated by his dark suit and imposing height.

"Mr. Everett," Mr. Paul and Mr. Roger greeted quickly, rising to their feet.

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Oh, a meeting. Get out!"

Stunned, the employees quickly dispersed, leaving the room in disarray. Joanna's face darkened. "Bruce, what's this?"

Bruce sneered. "Did the Haynes Group sign contracts with the Neorace and Skywinds Groups?"

"That's right!" Joanna replied.

Bruce stated, "Those companies exclusively worked with the Everett Group. Those deals were already negotiated with us."

Joanna was speechless, realizing the deals were meant for the Everett Group but hadn't been finalized due to Bruce attending to his grandmother. The Haynes Group's slightly lower bid had sealed the switch.