006

Jasmine's Pov

Derek placed his long index finger on the start button and the car came to life. He handed me an uncapped bottle of water, and then pressed on the accelerator.

Putting on my safety belt, I took a sip before going through one of the many documents that I needed to go through.

“So what's your call? Should I just start pulling out our collaboration with Star Tech company?” Derek asked before focusing his gaze on the road.

The expression on my face scrunched up in mock confusion. “Sorry, remind me what Star Tech is again?”

Derek briefly glanced at me with a confused gaze. “Um, Enoch's startup tech company?”

“Ohhhh,” I dramatically gasped, acting like I just recalled what it was, and who owned it as if I had no prior knowledge about it before, and honestly, that's what it seems now.

If Enoch could go low, then I could go even lower than he did.

Derek frowned. “You're not acting like the sister I used to know,” and then chuckled. “What's with this new high?”

I rolled my eyes. “What?”

“I mean, your mockery is on a whole other level. Can't believe you could keep up a straight wicked face like this when it came to Enoch. But I'm happy you're back. So, as a welcome back present, you know that company could go under with just a phone call from me, right?”

The way he said it, the manner his voice was soothing and reassuringly endearing almost made sorrowful water gather in my eyes. So thoughtful. He was like a brother anyone could have asked for.

The thought of allowing myself to suffer for two long years under the hands of the Smiths when I have a family that adored me, almost made me slap myself.

My chest tightened. I adjusted on my seat, and looked at Derek with the same warm gaze he had given me.

“Of course. But not to worry about that,” I replied in a venomous tone of voice. Guilt was slowly eating me up for making him worried. “I have a plan already set out in motion, especially for him.”

My fingers balled into tight fists but a wicked smirk rested on my emboldened red lips from the thought of what I had in store for Enoch and his likes. I am going to teach them never to mess with an Ives. They won't even know what hit them.

“Great. Now, let's get you to your office.”

Soon, the car rolled to a stop before the glass and steel giant building that towered over San Francisco like a crowned jewel.

We both unfastened our safety belts, and the moment I stepped out of the car, a wave of silence swept through the line of black suited security guards stationed at the entrance. As if on cue, they bowed their heads in perfect synchrony.

“Welcome back, miss Ives!” the head of security said, his voice low and reverent.

Two years.

It's been two years since I'd last stood here. Two years since I'd walked away from everything that bore my name even when everyone kicked against it.

Now, as I tilted my head up, the bold platinum letters spelling “IVES GLOBAL DOMINION” gleamed against the sun like they'd been waiting for me all along.

The building was magnificent. Fifty stories of mirrored glass that captured the entire city in its reflection. Water cascaded from sculpted fountains into crystal basins, while luxury cars glided through the curved marble driveway.

“Thank you,” I replied warmly.

Just then, Derek's phone rang out.

“Pardon me sis. Just go on, while I take this.”

I nodded before taking one heavy step forward.

The massive entrance doors, made of tinted obsidian and trimmed with rose gold, parted at my approach like a kingdom recognizing its queen.

Smelling faintly of power and status, inside, the air conditioning hit me, reminding and grounding me in ways I couldn't imagine. The marble floors glistened under the light spilling from a chandelier of hand cut crystal, while the onyx reception desk gleamed like dark silk.

When I walked by, my own employees stopped mid stride to whisper.

“Is that—?” one whispered, awe evident.

Another cut her off. “Shh, it's not allowed to say her name out loud or you wouldn't know what hit you.”

“Oh my God. So cool!”

“After two years… she's finally returned!”

“And why does she look so… different?”

I walked past them, unfazed. The elevator doors slid open and out came Rhea Phillips, my personal assistant. Impeccably dressed, she still clutched a tablet and a cup of coffee like her life depended on it.

“Oh my God! Miss Ives!” she gasped, hurrying over. “I—So glad you're back!”

I gave her a small smile. Before I left, she had always been an efficient assistant, almost like a sister I never had. “Yeah, me too.”

“Of course ma'am. Everything's been kept as you left it. Your office is ready and the only thing that has been missing is you.”

I was tempted to laugh out loud, but not today. Aside from being efficient, Rhea's sense of humor was topnotch. She, along with Derek, was the reason I was never bored before.

“Good,” I murmured instead, stepping into my private elevator. The mirrored walls reflected my image, a woman who'd lost everything once, and was now here to take it all back.

Aside from the sound of the elevator, the ascent to the top floor was silent, until Rhea broke it.

“What are your orders ma'am?” Rhea asked as the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. She followed closely behind me, tablet in hand, her tone perfect and businesslike. “Since you've been away, I thought it was best to brief you on recent developments before the board meeting.”

A small smile tugged at my lips. ‘Still so efficient.’ I thought.

“Yes, go ahead,” I allowed her, stepping into my luxurious office.

The space was exactly as I'd left it—spanning half the floor, with glass walls that framed the San Francisco's skyline like a living painting. My desk, dominated the center.

I sank into the leather chair behind it, crossing my legs as sunlight poured across the marble floor.

Rhea tapped her tablet. “First, our subsidiaries are still outperforming projections. However, several partner firms have been pushing for renewed contracts and meetings since your absence.”

I gestured for her to continue.

“Mirage Technologies has requested another joint venture proposal. They're hoping to expand the AI division you initiated before you left. Cassandra industries is lobbying for more stake in the luxury textile chain. And Argent Dynamics… well, they've been trying to arrange a private meeting with you for months now.”

I frowned, the name ringing a bell I rather not remember...