Chapter Twelve Jasmine walked away, the weight of Stella’s words pressing down on her. Her ruined documents felt heavy in her briefcase, a painful reminder of how far she still had to go. But as she wiped away a stray tear, she told herself she wouldn’t give up. Not today. Not ever. She would find a way, even if it meant starting over from scratch. “Look at you, with your stupid mouth! When was the last time this broke fool got you anything? A lollipop, maybe? You don’t even have any designer items like your sister, who always has the latest collection.” Jasmine’s anger flared even more. “Mom, he needs to leave. Now.” Damon, who had been watching the exchange with a smug smile, finally stood up, his movements deliberate and slow. He placed the box containing the diamond earrings on the table as if offering a final temptation. “Very well,” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with condescension. “I’ll leave since you don’t want my help. But don’t come crying to anyone when you

Chapter Fourteen Jasmine stood at the front of the room, her heart pounding. She could feel all the eyes on her, waiting. Her hands gripped the edge of the table as she glanced at Zara, the vice president of the Hexagon Consortium. Zara gave her a small, encouraging nod.“You can go on with the presentation, Jasmine,” Zara said calmly.Jasmine swallowed hard, her nerves taking over for a moment. She hadn’t expected to get this far, but now she was here. She had to push through. Slowly, she opened her laptop and started the slideshow. The first few words were shaky, almost a whisper, but as she continued, her voice grew stronger.At first, she stumbled over her words, feeling the pressure. But with every slide, she became more confident. Her passion for the project took over, and soon, she was speaking with energy, her hands moving as she explained each detail. The board members leaned in, their eyes focused on her as she brought her vision to life.“And this design,” Jasmine said

Jasmine met Stella's taunting gaze with a steady look, her lips curling into a smile. “You will be a pig, Stella, because I did get the contract.” Stella paused for a moment, and then she burst into laughter, the sound echoing harshly through the room. “Oh, Jasmine, you’re really going to stick with this ridiculous story, aren't you?” Stella sneered. “ “You must think we’re all fools. I don’t believe you. You’re lying.” Jasmine, unfazed, reached into her bag and pulled out a thick, official-looking document. The room watched, stunned, as she handed it to their grandmother. “Here, Grandma,” Jasmine said calmly, her voice unwavering, “read it for yourself.” Grandma took the contract in her trembling hands, her eyes squinting as she tried to make sense of the bold lettering and official stamps. The room fell silent as everyone waited. Stella's laughter had died down, replaced by an impatient scowl as she watched the old woman. Then, a gasp escaped their grandmother’s lips,

Chapter Eighteen Damon stumbled into the house, his presence reeking of alcohol, holding a bottle of wine loosely in one hand. His shirt was wrinkled, and his hair disheveled. He looked around with bleary eyes, a lazy grin plastered on his face. “Well, well, well,” he slurred, swaggering toward them. “I’ve come to claim my wife. I hear there’s been a little bet, huh? Henry said he’d divorce you, Jasmine, if you didn’t get that contract.” He chuckled darkly. “Guess what? I’m here to pick you up. Let’s not waste any more time, darling.” Stella, sitting on the couch, burst into laughter. Her cruel, sharp laughter echoed through the room, adding fuel to the already tense atmosphere. “Oh, Damon, this is just too good!” she said, wiping away fake tears. “Imagine, Jasmine, thinking she could ever win a contract like that. How pathetic.” Jasmine stood up, her eyes blazing with fury. Her hands clenched into tight fists by her side. She stared at Damon with disgust. “Get out of he

Jasmine stood there for a moment, the chill of the night seeping into her bones. She pulled her coat tighter around her, staring at the empty street ahead. The world felt so vast, so unforgiving, and she felt so small in it. But something had shifted in her—she wasn't going to be weak anymore. She had no other option but to fight.She turned back towards the house, her eyes narrowing at the faint light spilling from the living room window. Stella and Luke’s mocking voices echoed in her ears, their laughter ringing in her head. No more, she thought. No more letting them walk all over me. She would show them who she really was.With her heart pounding, she stepped back inside, quietly moving through the hallway. She made her way to her room, her thoughts racing. She had to think, had to find a plan. But just as she was about to enter her room, she heard hushed voices coming from the kitchen.Jasmine crept closer, peeking around the corner. It was Stella and Luke, and they were whisperin