Chapter 94

"The Neorace and Skywinds Groups approached us," Joanna said. "I can't refuse business, can I?"

Bruce's lips curled into a sinister smile. He stared at Joanna with a gloomy expression. He wasn't concerned about the Everett Group losing the deals; he was concerned about Joanna disrupting the market. This would trigger a larger ripple effect, and he had to stop it. He wouldn't tolerate such behavior.

"What do you think you're doing?" Bruce demanded. "Trying to undermine me?"

He menacingly approached Joanna, his large frame casting a shadow over her. Joanna's heart pounded, and she involuntarily stepped back.

"I didn't know the Neorace and Skywinds Groups planned to contract with the Everett Group," Joanna said.

"Oh, you didn't know?" Bruce scoffed, laughing coldly.

Joanna took another step back. "So what if I did? Partnerships allow collaboration. You can't monopolize the market"

"You've got guts, Joanna!" Bruce said, then continued, "You dumb woman! Do you understand the consequences? This will disrupt the market! Other companies will exploit the situation!"

Joanna sneered. "It's reasonable to compare offers before choosing a partner. The Everett Group has monopolized the market for too long. It's time for fair competition. You can't be so domineering!"

In Greyport, only Joanna dared criticize Bruce's monopolistic practices. His face darkened. He moved closer, pinched her chin, his grip threatening.

"Joanna, one last chance!" he said. "Cancel the collaboration, and I'll pretend nothing happened."

Joanna was cornered, her heart racing. These deals were the Haynes Group's projected profits for the year; without them, they'd face losses. Furthermore, she'd made a betting agreement with Bruce. She couldn't back down.

"That's impossible," Joanna said. "The contract is binding."

"One last time," Bruce said. "Will you give up the deals?"

"Impossible!" Joanna repeated.

Bruce's lips twitched, anger flashing in his eyes. Joanna tried to remain calm. In the next second, Bruce loosened his tie and kissed her forcefully.

"What are you doing?" Joanna cried. "Let go of me!"

"I'm teaching you a lesson!" Bruce snarled, grabbing her wrist, lifting her, and throwing her onto the conference table. Her lower back slammed against the hard surface, causing excruciating pain.

"Bruce, stop!" Joanna gasped, but before she could finish, she was attacked. Bruce's pent-up anger exploded. She struggled, shouting, "Help!" but he grabbed her throat.

"Make a sound, and I'll kill you!" he hissed, viciously tearing her shirt.

An hour later, Bruce, having "taught" Joanna a lesson, straightened his suit, regaining his usual composure. Joanna lay curled on the sofa, disheveled and trembling, her body bruised and sweat-soaked. He'd been ruthless, and in his anger, even more so. He'd almost killed her.

He gave her a cold glance and left. Outside, Mr. Roger, Mr. Paul, and others waited nervously. They had heard the commotion.

"Mr. Everett, leaving?" Mr. Paul asked awkwardly.

Bruce left without a word.

"We need to check on Miss Haynes," someone said.

Cora and Luna rushed in, horrified by the scene. Joanna was in torn clothing, trembling, her neck marked with bite marks. Cora covered her with her coat.

"Miss Haynes, let me take you to the hospital," Cora offered.

"Clothes," Joanna said. "Just get me clothes."

"Miss Haynes, you—" Cora began.

"Leave," Joanna commanded.

Cora and Luna, frowning, left. The executives, having heard Joanna's screams, knew what had happened but dared not interfere.

Later, Joanna went to the washroom, letting cold water wash over her as tears streamed down her face. "You're ruthless, Bruce," she whispered. "I'll never forget this."

Twenty minutes later, Cora brought clean clothes. Joanna, numb and detached, had showered.

"Miss Haynes, are you sure you don't need to go to the hospital?" Cora asked. "Perhaps you should go home and rest."

"I'm fine," Joanna said. "I'll handle it."

Cora was moved and heartbroken. She's incredibly strong, she thought. Most women would have broken down.

Bruce left the Haynes Group, lit a cigarette, and seemed expressionless. However, he felt regret. He shouldn't have been so cruel. If she'd begged him, he would have been kinder.

"Mr. Everett, how will you handle the Neorace and Skywinds Groups?"