Chapter Four

Jasmine's POV 

It was a silent ride to the Carter Coporation, but the mess going on in my head was nowhere near silence. I arrived and took a private elevator to my floor. I didn't feel like seeing or speaking to anyone.

I got to my office and sank in my chair. I threw my head back tapping my fingers on the desk making a sound.

“Ma'am, you are here. I didnt you see come in.” Lucia said and I sat up.

“Lucia what do you think will happen if the company folds up?” I asked her out of the blue and she seemed shocked. 

“Do you want my honest answer?” She asked me and I nodded my head even though I don't think I'm ready for it.

“Let's hear it, shoot.” I replied.

“Well that will be cruel. Because they are thousands of employees under this company and they depend on this company to earn a living. They have families and plans. They will forced to go back into the labour market and start looking for jobs all over again.” Julia began talking.

“Some of them are have been here for years. So if the company folds, it's going to be tough for everyone especially if there won't be any notice given.” Julia added.

“And it will be bad for your family reputation. The employees will go berserk, and might even put up protest. Some might even push to sue you.” Julia concluded and I nodded my head.

“I thought of those already. I just thought maybe they could be another outcome, but I guess I was wrong.” My face fell as I spoke.

“Is the company going to fold up?” Julia asked and I inhaled sharply. 

“If I don't marry Blake. Yes, it will.” I answered and stood up.

“I was up all night thinking of the perfect solution to this problem. But I'm afraid there isn't any. We don't have any money to compensate the employees. We dont even have the money to pay the employees for this month.” I cried out.

“And there's isn't enough time to come up with a plan good enough to save us from us this mess. If I don't marry Blake or find an alternative before night, then we are doomed.” I turned to Julia as I said.

******

It's been hours of endless calls and negotiations. I have called all the banks I know, and not even one is willing to give me a loan huge enough to take care of the situation. 

They won't even offer half of what I need. I have made use of all the papers in the company that I'm very sure of. I'm drafting different strategies, but none seems to be making any sense. 

I stood across the white boar with so many lines and numbers drawn on it. Julia is standing to my right and waiting for me to say something.

My head spurned, I threw my hands in the air, finding something to hold as I found it difficult to breathe. 

“Ma'am, I think you need to take a rest at this point. You've not had a break or even something to eat. If you fall sick, you won't be able to save the company.” Julia said and I chuckled softly.

“I can't save the company either ways. I don't know what to do Julia. For the first time in my life, I have no idea what to do.” I inhaled softly as my breath regulated.

“I'm left with no choice then. I guess I'm going to have to suck up to that arrogant goose.” I surrendered accepting defeat.

“Let's get going Julia, I need to go see my future husband.” I said and walked out of my office with my bag in my hands. 

****

I stood in front of the restaurant with my fist clenched together. I exhaled sharply as I tugged down at my dress nervously. I have never felt more humiliated in my life.

To think I have no choice in this matter makes it more depressing for me. I wish I can just turn and run back. 

I will never forgive my father for putting me in this kind of difficult situation. I have done nothing wrong to deserve such an ill fate. 

I shut my eyes and took a step, I took another and in a matter of minutes, I was already inside the restaurant.

“Miss Jasmine Carter?” I heard my name and turned. I didn't need anyone to tell me this is one of Blake's men. His all black outfit says it all, they have the same dark personality.

“Yes that's me.” I shrugged as I answered him.

“This way please.” He said and I looked at him with surprise.

“Please! At least you are polite unlike that goose you call a boss.” I didn't pass on the chance to talk behind his back. Just the thought of seeing his face makes my blood boil.

We arrived at the VVIP section, and the guy who escorted me here opened the door for me. As soon as I stepped into the section, my eyes met with that of Blake, and I froze. 

I felt my heart flip as my eyes locked with his. He looked different tonight, and the aura around him seemed surprisingly calm. 

I staggered a bit as I walked towards him. My knees grew weak, and I could not stop looking at him.

His expensive suit was no match for the glow that radiated around him. His handsome face stood out, and his long legs stood firmly on the floor…

I shook my head as I struggled to concentrate. 

What the hell am I thinking? I scolded myself. There's no way I'm finding this arrogant goose attractive. I guess my nervousness is making me see things that aren't there.

“What are you doing standing?” I stuttered trying to break the awkward atmosphere that surrounded us.

“What do you think? Welcoming my future wife.” He smirked.