007

Jasmine's Pov 

“Argent Dynamics,” I repeated, my brow arching up. “Samuel Argent specifically asked to see me?” 

She nodded crisply. “Yes, ma'am. He's been…rather persistent.”

Rhea’s words, spoken so professionally, made my pulse stutter. What's it, three years already? The thought of seeing him again made something cold crawl up my spine. I couldn't… no. I wouldn't let him face me. Not yet. 

“Then handle it yourself, like you always do,” I ordered, keeping my tone even. 

“I tried to ma'am,” she continued hesitantly, her eyes raising up to meet mine. “But he said it was a matter of mutual interest… and that the discussion should be with you. Directly.”

The way she said ‘directly’ made my breath hitch. A slow breath escaped me as I leaned back in my chair, forcing composure over the storm building inside. Of course he wouldn't let go that easily. He never did. 

If he was persistent, then I was going to meet him anyway. 

“Schedule a meeting with him tomorrow evening.” Whatever I felt at the mention of Samuel was gone now and replaced with that bossy tone of voice. “And make sure the board knows I'm back. Call a board meeting and there should be no fucking excuses.” 

“Yes, Miss Ives,” she replied briskly, already typing the instructions. 

“Good.” I stood, turning towards the window where the skyline glittered like diamonds under the sun. “Let's remind the people what happens when an Ives returns to her throne.” 

*****

“Welcome back, ma'am,” my board members chorused the moment I stepped into the massive boardroom. “We missed you!” 

Their voices bounced off the marble walls. Warm… sincere and undeserving of the woman I had become. 

I forced a polite smile, a small curve of my lips that never quite touched my eyes. “Thank you,” my voice was barely audible, nodding as I walked towards the head of the table. “So do I.”

But even my words felt so dry like a throat that had been starved of water. 

As I sat, their cheer softened into fond murmurs. They still saw me as the Jasmine I used to be, the one who laughed easily, who trusted too quickly and who believed love wasn't a weapon. 

Before Enoch. 

The thought made something close to an ache twist in my chest that slowly turned into anger. 

I swallowed the bitterness rising like acid in my mouth. 

What did I do to deserve the way he broke me? 

To deserve the betrayal, the humiliation and the pain? 

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. But it doesn't matter anymore. 

Let him enjoy the illusion of peace while it lasts. 

Because whatever goes around… I will make damn sure it comes back around, harder, colder and wrapped in—

“Boss…”

“Boss?” 

I blinked, softly jolting back to the present in a demure and controlled exhale. “Let's begin.” 

A few papers shifted and the room immediately shifted into total concentration. 

Mr Alden, head of finance, cleared his throat first. 

“Ma'am, quarterly reports show a nine percent rise in revenue, primarily from our tech division. However, the fashion subsidiary is experiencing a slowdown. Competitors are pushing aggressive campaigns. 

I nodded once. “How slow?”

“4.2 percent drop in engagement and two percent in sales.” 

I smirked. “That's not a drop.” My voice was calm, composed. “That's a warning. Double the marketing team and refresh the campaign. If any one of them hesitate, don't hesitate to replace them.”

The note on his desk made a noise as he scribbled quickly. “Yes ma'am.”

Ms. Lena, head of legal, spoke next. “We're finalizing the acquisition contract for Merilon Robotics. Their CEO is requesting a 70/30 share compromise instead of the 60/40 we offered.”

I tilted my head. “Theyre requesting that based on what?”

She shook her head. “None, ma'am. They're bluffing.”

“Then treat them as bluffers. Keep the original off. If they push again…” my eyes swept across the table. “Pull out. Let them come crawling instead.”

“Yes ma'am.” 

Another hand rose slightly. Mr. Callum, the head of international relations. 

“Yes, go on.” 

“There is also the partnership request from Astera pharmaceuticals. They want access to our distribution network in exchange for a ten percent cut.”

“Ten?” My shoulders shook as I let out a soft, humorless laugh. “We're Ives. And Ives is not a small name. Not a struggling startup.”

He nodded quickly. “So, you're declining?” 

My eyes narrowed. Is that even supposed to be a question? But I'll indulge him. 

“They want access to our ‘extremely powerful’ distribution network; our truck, logistic lines, warehouses, retail channels and the whole supply chain…”

Mr Callum nodded, understanding finally dawning in his eyes. “I understand.”

“Then, if you do,” I leaned forward, my tone gravelly. “Counter with 3 percent. Tell them we'll offer them only 3 percent of the profit, or they can fly, not even a walk.

 

More scribbles and a few impressed glances. 

Finally, Mrs Dionne, head of media and PR, clasped her hands. 

“Ma'am… your return was somehow leaked to the press, and they have been asking about your return. We've kept everything under the sheets as you instructed, but they're expecting a public appearance.”

My jaws tightened. Bunch of busy bodies. But it's also to my advantage. Three days from now, and Enoch would launch his tech company. 

What perfect way to crash his party than announce my return?

“Set a press conference,” I said almost immediately. “Three days from now.” 

She blinked. “Three… days?”

“Mhmm?” I replied evenly. “I want everyone to see that Jasmine Ives didn't crawl back… she walked in on her own terms.”

A hush descended over the room. Respect and awed kind of hush. And a little touch of fear. 

A good blend as it should be. 

“Any other pressing matters?” I asked when they kept staring and nodding. 

Silence. 

“Good.” I rose to my full height. “In the absence of a report, then this meeting is closed.”