Chapter Two

Jasmine's POV 

I tiptoed into the office and made way to dad's desk. I scurried through the desk, hoping to find anything to at least give me a hint. 

After almost an hour of endless searching, I came across some documents binded together. It seems weird because those documents were kept along with a document from ten years ago. It was so obvious that my dad was keeping it a secret.

“What the hell are you hiding, dad?” I muttered beneath my breath. All of a sudden, I heard fast approaching footsteps, almost like someone was running towards my direction. 

“Aahh!!” I screamed as soon as I noticed someone's presence. 

“Miss Jasmine, it's Julia.” Julia's voice ran through, and I sighed in relief.

“Why were you running? You scared the shit out of me. I thought that was Dad, what have you got?” I asked her, and she placed some documents on the desk.

“I think you might want to see for yourself, Miss.” She said, and I frowned. 

I exhaled sharply as I picked the paper up, and my curiosity heightened through the roof. I was scared through the papers swiftly, trying to memorise every little detail.

The paper fell off my hand as they grew weak and numb. I looked up at Julia, horrified, to say the least.

“There has to be an explanation for this. How did this happen without my approval? All the company's money gone? Who the fuck authorised the transaction?” I yelled, my eyes wet with tears.

“Its only the chairman that could have made such a move. He's the only one who has a higher authority than you.” Julia explained logically. 

I immediately flipped through the document that I found and read through. 

“No…” I slammed my fist on the desk repeatedly in anger. My face flushed as I clamped my palm hard on the desk, causing my fingers to bleed.

“Ma'am…” Julia called. I sat down for a while, drawing deep breaths in hopes of calming down, but that didn't work.

“We will see tomorrow. Lock the doors and go home.” I said and stormed out of the office. 

I arrived at the mansion and headed straight to my dad's study room. That's where he usually is at this time. 

“Dad!!” I yelled my voice thundering the hallways. 

“Dad!!” I screamed this time, anger ravaging my being.

“Jasmine, why are you shouting in such a manner. It's late and everyone is asleep. I'm tired and want to sleep. And if this is about your marriage to Blake. Quit trying to stop it, because it's going to take place.” My dad said and I slammed the documents on the floor.

Mu dad flinched and almost tripped on the bed. He looked at me and picked up the documents. I guess he recognised one of them right away because his face dropped immediately.

“How did you find this? What are you… Where you going through my stuffs?” He questioned and I chuckled softly. 

“I don't think that's the important thing now. Do you mind explaining yourself?” I asked, and he snorted.

“I don't have to explain anything to you. It's my company and I will do whatever I please with it.” He retorted.

“Well too bad for you, because guess what? I'm the CEO of that company, and what's worse? I'm the one you promised to the Remigton family in exchange for Mr Remigton clearing the debt you incurred through gambling!!” I yelled and threw my hands in the air. 

I slammed my palm on my forehead in frustration and paced around the room with my other hand on my waist.

“How could you gamble away all our money, dad? You have not only put our family in trouble, but the company has gone bankrupt as well.” I continued.

“I knew you had gambling problems, but I didn't think it was this bad. We have gone broke because you were so careless and irresponsible.” I added.

“I've been working so hard to pull the company out of debts. And now that I'm this close to succeeding, you go ahead and do this?” My eyes stung with tears as I felt utterly shattered.

“It was an honest mistake, darling. I didn't know the bet would go that way. But we have a solution. Mr Remigton already paid the debts from that night. As soon as you marry Blake, he will invest heavily in the company, and it will be as though nothing happened.” My dad explained and I felt even more pathetic.

“So you threw me under the bus, traded my pride, just so you can save yourself?” My voice trembled as I spoke as I was so close to breaking down.

“I did it for the company, I did it for all or us.” He insisted and scoffed.

“You should have thought of the company when you were gambling it away. You made this mess, and you will be the one to fix it. I don't care how you do it, but I'm not marrying Blake Remigton.” I concluded and stormed out of his room. 

“You do not have a choice here. It's been settled.” My dad's voice followed me, making my stomach churn in disgust.

The following morning, I stood in front of the mirror as I applied the last bit of makeup. I checked through my outfit, making sure I looked perfect. I sprayed some perfume and headed out of the house.

I arrived at the Remigton groups and made way to the reception. All the busy activities of a Wednesday morning stopped as everyone turned to look at me the minute I stepped into the company.

“I would like to see Mr Blake Remigton.” I said to the receptionist.

“Do you have an appointment?” She asked me and I shook my head.

“No… But tell him the CEO of Carter Coporation, Jasmine Carter, would like to see him.” I mentioned to her.