Chapter 95

Bruce pondered, raising an eyebrow. He sneered. "Since the Skywinds Group and the Neorace Group are so eager to cooperate with the Haynes Group, let them! With its current capacity, the Haynes Group can't handle such a massive production order."

He continued, "Purchase large quantities of raw materials from the open market. The Everett Group is to cease all microchip supplies to the Haynes Group."

Andy was speechless, stunned by the announcement. Bruce's actions were clearly designed to cripple the Haynes Group. Both the Neorace and Skywinds Groups were in electronics and needed Everett Group microchips—currently, the only supplier.

"Mr. Everett," Andy began, "the Haynes Group's finances are dire; they may not survive much longer. Failure to fulfill these orders will result in crippling breach-of-contract penalties, potentially leading to bankruptcy. You're a Haynes Group shareholder. Are you certain about this?"

Bruce smirked. "Yes, I am. In fact, Haynes Group bankruptcy would be preferable. Then the Neorace and Skywinds Groups will have to come crawling back to the Everett Group."

"Understood," Andy replied, "I'll arrange it immediately."

Bruce extinguished his cigarette. Despite his outward actions, he harbored a different plan. Joanna's bankruptcy would shatter her confidence, leaving her reliant on him.

Half an hour later, at the Everett Group, Bruce tackled his accumulated work. Roxanne arrived in the afternoon. He was reviewing a contract when Andy knocked.

"Mr. Everett, Ms. Haynes is here," Andy announced.

Bruce showed his displeasure. "Tell her I'm in a meeting."

"Right away," Andy replied, then left.

Roxanne waited in the lounge. Andy approached politely. "Ms. Haynes, Mr. Everett is in a meeting and unavailable."

Roxanne's face fell. "When will he be finished?"

"Difficult to say," Andy replied. "It could be all day."

Roxanne's eyes flickered. "I'll wait."

"Very well," Andy said warmly, offering her water before returning to work.

She waited until eight o'clock. Bruce, a dedicated worker who immersed himself completely in his tasks, finally finished. He stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, admiring Greyport's renowned night lights—the "City of Lights." Yet, amidst the dazzling cityscape, a sense of melancholy washed over him. He pictured Joanna, distressed and huddled on the sofa. He'd been too harsh that morning; she was delicate and probably hurt.

"It's past eight," he murmured. "I wonder what Joanna's doing?"

He grabbed his coat and left. Before reaching the elevator, Roxanne rushed from the lounge.

"Bruce, are you finished?"

He frowned, seeing her still there. "Why are you still here?"

Roxanne bit her lip, like a child who'd misbehaved. "I… I've been waiting."

"Since this afternoon?"

Her eyelashes fluttered, her voice tinged with grievance. "Yes. Are you finished now?"

"Yes," Bruce replied.

Roxanne studied him. "Shall we have dinner?"

His brow remained furrowed. "I'm going to the Everett mansion to see Grandma. Another time."

"I'll come," Roxanne offered.

"No," Bruce said. "Grandma sleeps early. Let's not disturb her. I'll take you home."

Roxanne hesitated, looking at him pitifully. Bruce remained impassive. "I'm tired. Another time."

The elevator arrived. He entered; she followed.

Soon, they reached the parking garage. Roxanne followed silently, her mind racing. She wouldn't leave his side tonight.

Bruce opened her car door. "Kody, take Ms. Haynes home," he instructed.

Kody nodded respectfully.

Roxanne's disappointment deepened. "Bruce, aren't you coming?"

"The driver will take you," Bruce said. "It's late. I'll take another car."

He closed the door, retrieved another Lamborghini key, and drove off before Roxanne could react. She watched him go, disappointment and resentment etched on her face. She hadn't expected him to send her home with the driver.

"Ms. Haynes, please get in," Kody said.

(Note: The final two lines about a website are promotional and were removed.)