Chapter 4

Shane's so-called love life was going smoothly, while his career was going downhill.

Yardley Group and Youngblood Group had become deeply entangled ever since Shane registered his marriage to Emma.

He was hoping to use this chance to slowly take over Youngblood Group. He never expected Samuel Youngblood, Emma's father, to quietly sideline him under the pretext of "spending time with his pregnant daughter". He wasn't rarely allowed to attend the shareholders' meetings lately.

Shane's temper grew increasingly foul recently, especially with all that resentment pent up inside him.

That night, he smashed his third cup in the study, leaving broken porcelain and coffee all over the floor. He yelled at his assistant on the other end of the phone, "What do you mean by 'Mr. Youngblood's instructions'? You're the people I brought over from Yardley Group. Do you work for me or for Samuel?

"Get your heads straight! Emma is pregnant with my child, which means Youngblood Group will be mine sooner or later! You're all fired if this happens again!"

I pushed the door open just as Shane hurled his phone at the ground in fury, the broken shards flying past my leg and coming within inches of cutting me.

I ignored the wreckage covering the floor and gently placed the warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on the desk.

I noticed Shane's chest heaving with rage, so I walked over and gently massaged his temples. "You shouldn't get yourself so worked up. You skipped dinner earlier, so have some chicken noodle soup instead, Shane.

"You know you can't rush business matters. Mr. Youngblood is getting up there in years, so Youngblood Group will be yours sooner or later, Shane."

Shane, being surrounded by my gentle presence, finally began to relax.

He looked rather resentful as he muttered under his breath, "I'm glad I have you by my side. Emma was bossing me around in front of the entire company today. I don't even feel like her husband—I feel like her lackey instead! I'm divorcing her once I get my hands on Youngblood Group, Jasmine!"

He pulled me into a tight embrace after saying that, looking to me for emotional comfort. "I'll marry you after that. You're the only person I truly love, Jasmine."

I took my time comforting him, making sure he drank every last drop of the soup as I fed him spoon by spoon.

Looking tired, Shane took my hand and said, "I guess we should just leave it for now and head to bed. You were right earlier, Jasmine—this isn't something we can rush."

It was late into the night, and I waited until Shane was sound asleep beside me before I opened my eyes.

He was convinced I was nothing more than a useless kept woman, so he never bothered to hide the password to his study computer or his confidential files from me.

I logged into the computer with practiced ease, copying several important financial transaction records and share transfer agreements stored inside. I then sent Emma a message once I was done. "I've got the files, so meet me at the usual place."

Emma replied almost instantly, "Got it. You won't have to put up with it anymore once the shareholders' meeting comes around next month, Jasmine."

…

In the blink of an eye, a month passed by. It was finally the day of the shareholders' meeting, and Shane was practically buzzing with excitement.

He couldn't help showing off to me, saying, "I not only secretly formed an alliance with two major shareholders, but I also hold total control over Youngblood Group's cash flow. I'm going to bring Samuel, that old bastard, down in the meeting today! I'll never have to put up with Samuel and Emma again, Jasmine!"

I fixed his tie, smiling gently. "Is that so? That's wonderful, then."

Shane kissed my cheek and made a promise. "I'll take custody of the baby once Emma gives birth. I'll then divorce her and marry you. I love you so much, Jasmine!"

I smiled and said nonchalantly, "I love you too, Shane."

I lowered my gaze the moment I said that, my eyes turning ice-cold.

…

Everyone was present and accounted for in the conference room.

Shane strolled in full of confidence, paying no mind to the odd looks from everyone else, and sat right at the head of the table. He was just about to knock on the table to call the meeting to order when Emma arrived with a swarm of police officers, surrounding the entire conference room completely.

The lead police officer walked straight over to Shane and secured the handcuffs around his wrists. "You're being arrested on suspicion of financial crimes, Shane Yardley. We're with the Financial Crimes Division of Avermont, acting under the law."

Shane stared at the police officers in disbelief before looking at Emma, who was standing behind them. He yelled at the top of his lungs, "That's utter bullshit! Where's your evidence? You're all in cahoots with Emma! You'll be held legally responsible for arresting me without cause!"

Emma shook her head in amusement at his pathetic outburst. "Of course we have evidence. You should be very familiar with these, right? There are two sets of accounting books here—one set for show and one set for yourself. You really think you're something, huh, Shane?"

Having said that, Emma tossed a stack of documents onto the floor, sending the papers scattering all over.

Shane took a glance at the papers, his face turning deathly pale. He widened his eyes in surprise and asked, "H-How did you get these? Did you order someone to break into my place to steal them, Emma?"

He turned toward the police officers and yelled, "I'm innocent! Emma broke into my home and invaded my privacy! These documents were kept in my private study! How could she have gotten her hands on them? You have to investigate this thoroughly! She must—"

I pushed the conference room door open before Shane could even finish his sentence. I looked at Shane, held down in his seat, and said calmly, "You can save yourself the trouble. I'm the one who gave those documents to Emma."

I then turned to the police officers and said, "I'd like to report a crime. Shane intentionally swapped my fertility pills, causing me permanent infertility, which constitutes a criminal offense! Please take him into custody immediately!"