Chapter Nine
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered softly, his heart full of warmth. He pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, his smile widening. “I feel like something wonderful is about to happen to you, Jasmine. You’re a good and kind soul, and the world will reward you.” Jasmine’s eyes welled up with tears, and she rested her head on Henry’s chest. “You always know what to say to make me feel better.” Henry kissed the top of her head, feeling more certain than ever that their lives were about to change for the better. But for now, he would keep his secret a little while longer, knowing that soon, Jasmine would get everything she deserved and more. Grandmother Woods sat at the head of the long mahogany table in the family’s lavish dining room, her hands trembling as she gripped her teacup. The news was playing on the large TV screen in front of her, but the words seemed to echo painfully in her mind. "Hexagon Consortium announces open slots for new companies to join in a competitive bid process…" Her hand shook even more violently, and the cup slipped from her grasp, crashing to the floor and shattering into pieces. The sound was sharp, mirroring the chaos in her mind. She clenched her fists, her fury rising as she realized this opportunity was supposed to be hers—**her** family’s. But Stella had messed everything up with her stupidity and arrogance. She couldn’t let it end like this. With a sharp bark of command, Grandmother Woods called for the servants. “Tell everyone to gather in the meeting room. Now! All family members, board members, and directors. Everyone!” The servants scattered immediately, knowing better than to question her. No one wanted to risk her wrath, especially not when she was in this kind of mood. Everyone knew that Grandmother Woods held complete control over the family’s empire, which specialized in high-end furniture and interior decorations. She could fire anyone on a whim or even remove them from the will without hesitation. Her power was absolute, and her temper, unforgiving. Within minutes, the meeting room was full. Family members, board directors, and business executives all filled the seats, whispering nervously among themselves. They knew something was wrong; they could feel the tension in the air. No one dared to speak above a murmur, waiting for the storm they knew was coming. Grandmother Woods entered the room, her face set in a grim scowl. Everyone immediately fell silent as she took her place at the head of the table. Her presence was like a dark cloud, looming over the room. But before she could speak, Stella, who had positioned herself right next to her fiancé Stefan, let out a loud, exaggerated hiss. “Why is *he* here?” she asked mockingly, her voice dripping with disdain as she glanced toward Henry, who was sitting quietly beside Jasmine. She made sure everyone could hear her as she added, “Grandmother called a family meeting and invited board members, not the servants or the mansion’s cockroach.” All eyes turned toward Henry, and everyone knew exactly who Stella was mocking. The insult stung, but Henry remained calm, determined not to let her words get to him. He had dealt with worse. Before Stella could continue, Grandmother Woods snapped, “All of you, shut up!” Her voice was sharp and cold, immediately commanding the attention of the room. “We have an emergency. Hexagon Consortium has thrown us out, and because of that, we’ve lost half a billion dollars.” A collective gasp rippled through the room. Everyone exchanged worried glances, but no one dared to speak. Losing half a billion dollars was a catastrophe. Hexagon had been a major business partner, and without them, the entire empire was at risk of crumbling. Grandmother Woods continued, her voice heavy with anger. “We need to make that back, and even more, if we ever want to regain our respect in the industry. All of you are here because I expect solutions. You’re supposed to be smart, so prove it. Come up with an idea, or we’re finished.” The room fell into a tense silence. People shifted uncomfortably in their seats, glancing at one another, but no one spoke. It was clear that the pressure was too much for anyone to handle. Coming up with a solution to save the family’s empire seemed impossible, especially after the disaster with Hexagon. Grandmother Woods scoffed, her disgust evident. “Dullards! The lot of you! You’re all useless. I’m too tired of this incompetence.” She paused, then leaned forward, her voice turning icy and deliberate. “Whoever comes up with an idea that secures a new contract with Hexagon Consortium, or an equally prestigious company, will become the next chairman of the family empire. They will control everything, including the will, after I’m gone.” The room exploded into murmurs and shocked whispers. This was unheard of. Grandmother Woods was known for being controlling and secretive about the family’s fortune. For her to offer such a reward meant she was desperate—truly desperate. Everyone knew what was at stake. A lawyer sitting beside her began documenting her words, making it official. Grandmother Woods raised her hand to silence the room, her sharp gaze cutting through the crowd. “I don’t care how you do it—by any means necessary. But I want this family’s glory to shine again. Do I make myself clear?” The room buzzed with excitement. Everyone knew the magnitude of what she was offering. To become chairman of the family empire was the ultimate prize. It meant control over the company, the fortune, and the future. Hands started shooting up all around the room as people scrambled to express their interest. “I’m in, Grandmother!” “I’ll do it!” “I’ll get us that contract!”Chapter Ten One by one, nearly every family member and executive raised their hand, eager to prove themselves and secure their position as the future leader of the empire. Everyone, that is, except Henry and Jasmine. Jasmine sat quietly beside Henry, her hands folded in her lap. She had always been shy and had never been taken seriously by her family. She had ideas, she had talents, but no one ever listened to her. And after everything that had happened recently, she felt even more unsure of herself. “Honey,” Henry whispered softly, turning to her. “You should participate. You’re so hardworking and talented. You could really make a difference.” Jasmine looked at him with wide eyes, filled with uncertainty. “I don’t know, Henry,” she whispered back. “No one ever takes me seriously. What if I embarrass myself?” “You won’t,” Henry reassured her, his voice filled with encouragement. “You’re smart, and I believe in you. Just raise your hand. Trust me.” Jasmine hesitated, her
Chapter Eleven Jasmine’s mother froze, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, she looked as if she couldn’t believe what she had just heard. But then, a slow, cruel smile spread across her face. It was the first time Henry had seen her smile in a long while. “Good,” she sneered. “I agree. Start packing your stuff, Henry, because I know my daughter. She’s too naive to win against real business sharks. You’ll be out of here soon enough.” With that, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. The echo of the door reverberated through the house, leaving a suffocating silence in its wake. Jasmine, who had been sitting motionless the entire time, suddenly broke down. Tears streamed down her face as she sank to the floor, her shoulders shaking with sobs. “Why would you say that?” she cried, her voice barely a whisper as she looked up at Henry with wide, tear-filled eyes. Jasmine woke up before dawn, the room still bathed in the soft gray of early morning. H
Chapter Twelve Jasmine walked back to her room to change her stained outfits and print new documents, the weight of Stella’s words pressing down on her. 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. She came out of her room to meet her mom and the arrogant Damon looking at her as if she is a slut, he was basically undressing her with his eyes. “Mom, he should leave “ “Look at you, with your stupid mouth! When was the last time this broke fool got you anything? You don’t even have any designer items like your sister, who always has the latest collection besides he is here to help you with your project. He is rich and influential unlike that piece of trash” Jasmine’s anger flared even more. “Mom, I don’t need his help or money.He needs to leave. Now.” Damon, who had been watching the exchange with a smug smile, finally stood up, his movements deliberate a
Chapter Thirteen Knight sat back in the plush leather seat of the Rolls-Royce, his mind racing. The world outside the tinted windows seemed to blur, but inside, his thoughts were sharp and electrifying. He had just been told that he was one of the most powerful men on the continent—him. Even the president needed him. It was surreal. “Are you serious?” Knight finally broke the silence, his voice low and disbelieving. He turned to Mr. Anderson, his trusted right-hand man. Anderson nodded calmly, his face barely betraying any emotion. “Dead serious, Young Master. You hold more power than you can imagine.” Knight leaned back, shaking his head in disbelief. The weight of it all pressed down on him, yet there was a thrill to it. “Who was in charge before me?” Anderson’s eyes flickered with something Knight couldn’t quite read. “Your grandfather. He built everything from the ground up. The empire you’re now running.” Knight frowned, a strange knot forming in his stomach. “Why didn
Chapter Fourteen “Whoa…never seen any office building this magnificent, purely a work of art“ Jasmine whispered , even though she was born from a rich home , she has never seen anything architectural structure that is breathtaking like this before. Jasmine arrived to the HEXAGON CONSORTIUM on time, the guards were polite to her because she is so beautiful despite her thrift old clothes. “She looks like an angel” the whispered among themselves when she left them to go and meet the board of directors. Jasmine stood at the front of the luxurious and pristine looking board room which was chilling cold because of the air conditioner 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.
Chapter Fifteen Jasmine stepped out of the car after paying him her last 43 $ dollars and stood in front of her family’s house, the familiar walls towering over her like they always had. Her mind raced with a thousand thoughts, but one stood out: she had done it. She had won the contract. As she approached the front door, she saw Stella, her sister, leaning against the doorframe with a smug grin plastered on her face. Her arms were crossed, and Jasmine could already sense the mockery brewing in her eyes. “Well, well, well,” Stella started, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Look who’s back from her little failed adventure. You really think you're ahead of yourself now, don’t you?” Stella snorted, her laugh cruel. “To think you had the guts to pitch your dirty little proposal to the Hexagon Consortium. Who do you think you are, Jasmine?” Jasmine sighed, refusing to let her sister’s sharp words penetrate the wall of confidence she had built today. Without responding to Ste
Chapter Sixteen 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 thei
Chapter Seventeen Suddenly, the TV blared in the corner of the living room. The news anchor’s voice filled the air. “Breaking news: Hexagon Consortium has announced a $150 million contract awarded to a secret and private contractor. Speculation is rampant, but the identity remains unknown.” Everyone’s heads turned to the large flat screen television that cost about 230,000 dollars. For a second, Stella’s face twisted in confusion, but then she burst into laughter. “Oh, this is rich!” she sneered. “You think that’s you, Jasmine? You’re not a private contractor; you’re a joke! You hear that, Stefan ?” Stella turned, her laughter almost hysterical. “She really thinks she’s the big winner.” Stefan chuckled from the corner. “You? Fifty million? Don’t make me laugh, Jasmine. You’re nobody.” Jasmine clenched her fists, stepping forward, her face flushed with rage. “Shut up, Stella. You tore my contract—” Before she could finish, Henry stepped between them, grabbing Jasmine’s
Henry leaned against the kitchen counter, a glass of water in his hand as the cool liquid soothed his parched throat. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting golden rays across the marble surfaces. The house was silent, save for the faint hum of the city below, but his mind was far from calm. Thoughts of Jasmine—her soft laughter, the way her skin had glowed in the morning light—lingered like a heady fog.Jasmine appeared in the doorway, her silhouette framed by the soft light. She wore nothing but one of his oversized shirts, the fabric brushing just above her knees. Her hair was tousled, her cheeks still flushed from their earlier intimacy. The sight of her sent a wave of desire rushing through Henry’s veins, his breath catching as their eyes met.“You left me alone,” she said softly, her voice teasing but with an edge of vulnerability.Henry set the glass down, his gaze darkening as he took a step toward her. “I thought you were resting.”Her lips curved into a s
Henry stirred awake as the faint golden light of dawn streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. The air was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the city waking below. His body was warm, wrapped in the comfort of the plush sheets and the softness of Jasmine nestled beside him.He turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on her serene face. Her dark lashes rested against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted as she slept peacefully. Her hair cascaded over the pillow like silk, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest made his heart clench with a warmth he hadn’t felt in years.Henry couldn’t resist reaching out. His fingers brushed against her cheek, featherlight, and she stirred at the touch, her eyelids fluttering open. Her sleepy gaze met his, and a soft smile spread across her lips.“Good morning,” she murmured, her voice husky from sleep.“Good morning,” Henry replied, his voice low, filled with affection. His hand moved to tuck a stray strand of hair
The soft glow of the candles followed them as Henry scooped Jasmine into his arms. Her skin was still damp from the bath, warm and soft against his chest. She let out a quiet gasp, wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips brushing lightly against his jaw."Henry," she whispered, her voice a mix of nervousness and anticipation.He paused, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Are you sure, Jasmine?" His voice was low, filled with both tenderness and restraint. "I don’t want to rush this if you’re not ready."Her cheeks flushed, and she gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I’ve never been more ready for anything."The sincerity in her eyes made his chest tighten. With a soft nod, he carried her into the bedroom, the faint scent of lavender still lingering in the air. The golden light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow over the room, the shadows of the night dancing along the walls.Henry set her down gently on the edge of the bed, his movements careful, reverent. He knelt before her, his
Henry staggered through the door of his penthouse, his body weighed down by exhaustion. The soft glow of the evening lights spilled through the windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors. He loosened his tie, his every muscle aching from the relentless grind of the last few weeks. His mind was fogged with exhaustion, but he couldn’t help the flicker of pride at what he’d accomplished.“Henry?” Jasmine’s soft voice floated from the bedroom. The sound was like a balm to his frayed nerves.“I’m here,” he called back, his voice rough. He dropped his briefcase by the door and ran a hand through his disheveled hair.Jasmine appeared in the doorway, her figure bathed in the warm light of the room. She wore a silk robe that clung to her curves, her eyes filled with concern as she crossed the room toward him.“You look like you’ve been through a war,” she said, brushing her fingers over his jaw. Her touch was featherlight, but it sent a spark of warmth through him.“It feels like
Henry stormed out of the estate, his steps heavy and purposeful as the night air hit him like a slap to the face. The faint hum of the helicopters above was drowned out by the pounding of his heart. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His grandfather’s words echoed in his head, their sharp edges cutting deep.“You’re not family,” Henry muttered to himself, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. “I’m just another asset to him. Another chess piece.”The guards standing outside the gates straightened as Henry approached, their gazes wary. He shot them a glare so fierce that one of them visibly flinched.“Open the damn gate,” Henry snapped, his tone sharp enough to cut glass.The guard hesitated for a fraction of a second before obeying. The gates creaked open, and Henry strode out without sparing them another glance. The crunch of gravel beneath his feet was a harsh reminder of the cold reality he was leaving behind.Anderson caught up to him, his pa
The room seemed to shrink as Henry’s grandfather stood. His every movement was deliberate, exuding a power so commanding it felt like the very air was holding its breath. The sharp lines of his tailored black suit amplified his imposing frame, and the insignia of the Grand Commander gleamed on his chest like a badge of omnipotence. His presence filled the room, an aura so intense it was almost tangible, crackling like an electrical storm.The two guards by the door immediately bowed, their heads lowered so deeply that they nearly touched the floor. Outside the study, Henry could hear the shuffle of footsteps and murmurs as more people fell to their knees, as if in reverence to a god descending from the heavens.Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched, refusing to bow. His fists tightened at his sides as he watched the scene unfold. The man before him wasn’t just his grandfather—he was a living legend, a shadow that loomed over every story whispered in corridors of power.“Grand Commander
The sun was just beginning to set when Henry stood outside the estate, leaning against the sleek black car. The orange glow of twilight brushed his sharp features as he thought about Evelyn’s words, the lies she had spun, and the deeper trap he might have walked into. The air was heavy, filled with the faint scent of jasmine from the estate’s sprawling gardens, but Henry wasn’t in the mood to appreciate the beauty. His mind was a storm. Suddenly, a rickety old cart clattered down the gravel driveway. A man, hunched over with a woven hat shadowing his face, pushed the cart. It was piled high with potatoes, their earthy smell wafting in the air as the wheels squeaked with every turn. Henry frowned. “Who let him in here?” he muttered to himself. The man approached, his movements deliberate but unassuming. As he neared, Henry noticed his ragged clothes and dirt-stained hands. But there was something oddly off. His stride, though hidden under a limping shuffle, was too calculated. T
The room was frozen in a thick tension, every breath coming slow and heavy. Jasmine looked between Henry and her mother, her face pale and her mind racing. She was about to speak when the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the grand hall.The doors burst open, revealing a woman in her mid-sixties, dressed in an oversized floral gown and sturdy slippers that made her presence feel more dominating than any weapon could. Her face was set in a fierce scowl, her sharp features pulled tight as her gaze immediately zeroed in on Henry.“Henry Caine!” she bellowed, storming into the room without a care for the grandeur around her. “You think you can embarrass my daughter and her fiancé in front of the entire congregation and get away with it?”Jasmine flinched, recognizing the fiery presence of her Aunt Patricia, her mother’s older sister, who was infamous for speaking her mind without restraint. Evelyn’s calm façade broke as she stood up quickly, her sharp tone cutting through.“Patric
The convoy of sleek black vehicles sped toward the Caine estate, cutting through the night like shadows on the move. Jasmine sat silently beside Henry, her hands clenched in her lap. The earlier revelations about her mother funding the De Luca family played over and over in her mind, each detail gnawing at her resolve. She stole a glance at Henry, his face a mask of cold determination, his mind undoubtedly calculating the next move.The tension in the car was palpable. Finally, she broke the silence. “Henry… what if she denies it? What if she had no idea what was happening?”Henry didn’t turn to her, his eyes locked on the road ahead. “If she’s innocent, the evidence will prove it. But if she’s guilty…” He paused, his voice hardening. “She’ll face the consequences.”Jasmine’s breath hitched. “You’d go that far? Even if she’s my mother?”Henry finally turned to her, his gaze softer but firm. “Jasmine, this isn’t just about us anymore. If your mother is involved, she’s not just a threat