Chapter 99

Joanna stepped into the elevator. Before the doors closed, someone pressed the open button. The doors slowly reopened, and Bruce entered with a cold expression.

He wasn't wearing a suit; instead, he wore a knee-length overcoat over a black shirt. His hair was meticulously combed, though a few strands hung loosely at the ends. He exuded a strong, slightly wicked presence. He was incredibly handsome.

However, Joanna felt a surge of anxiety. She involuntarily pressed herself against the elevator wall.

Seeing her fear, Bruce remained calm and didn't question her absence the previous day.

Joanna's heart pounded. She clenched her fists, ready to defend herself.

Fortunately, Bruce ignored her, as if she were invisible. As the elevator ascended, Joanna felt increasingly anxious; the atmosphere was tense, time seeming to crawl.

A minute later, the elevator reached the office floor. Bruce exited without looking at Joanna, heading straight for the conference room.

The Haynes Group held a daily morning meeting at nine o'clock. High-level executives gathered to report on the previous day's work and receive instructions. As Bruce walked past, the previously chatting and laughing executives fell silent.

"Hi, Mr. Everett!" employees greeted him.

He merely nodded slightly and entered the conference room.

Joanna's terror intensified. For a long time, she hesitated, afraid to enter.

"Wow, Mr. Everett's here again!" "Right! It's scary. Will he do that to Miss Haynes again?" "Shh! The meeting's about to start. Let's go in." "Oh my, I'm so nervous!"

Two executives composed themselves and entered the conference room with serious expressions. Several others were already present, all cautious and careful.

Ten minutes later, Joanna still hadn't entered. Several executives worried about angering Bruce with her lateness, muttering, "Why isn't Miss Haynes here yet?" "She's not coming in today, is she?" "That's impossible. I saw her arrive." "Should we call her?"

Joanna finally entered the conference room at twenty past nine. More than ten pairs of eyes turned to her. Bruce sat next to her usual seat, quiet and composed like the other executives, but with a hint of a smirk in his eyes. His presence made Joanna extremely anxious. She felt uneasy and avoided her usual seat, fearing proximity to Bruce.

"Good morning, Miss Haynes!"

Joanna, trying to calm herself, replied, "Good morning, everyone!" Her prepared agenda was forgotten.

"Let's start the meeting!" she said, standing at the far end of the table, avoiding taking a seat.

"This is today's report." "This is yesterday's purchase data and OEM progress." "Here are the contracts from the past two days. Please review them, Miss Haynes."

The executives reported their work; Joanna listened absentmindedly. "Send them all to my office later," she said.

"There are three main topics in today's meeting. I sent the agenda to the work chat group. Take a closer look later. Today's meeting is over!"

Joanna stood and left, leaving everyone speechless. The meeting lasted less than five minutes.

Joanna hurried from the conference room, wanting to avoid Bruce. However, back in her office, before she could close the door, Bruce followed. He blocked the door, forcing his way inside.

Joanna recoiled, asking, "Bruce, what do you want?"

He shrugged, smiling faintly. "I'm here to work."

"Don't do this," Joanna said. "This is my office. You're not allowed in!"

"Are you sure?" he smirked, playful and mischievous. Joanna swallowed hard, unable to drive him away, fearing further escalation. "He's a nasty man!" she thought. "The more I resist, the more aggressive he'll become!" "Wh-what exactly do you want?"

"I told you," Bruce said. "I want to work!" He sat down at her desk, completely at ease.

"Hey Please stop this! If you continue, I'll call the police!"