[Young Residence]
"Dear..." Jasmine walked into Lawrence’s study, her face worried, carrying a tray of calming tea for him.
Lawrence paced back and forth, biting his thumb. Right now, Lola and the chairman were together, and since Melissa had mentioned Lola’s children, he was certain that was what they were talking about.
Jasmine set the tray down on the desk before approaching her husband.
"Hon," she cooed, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Why don’t you take a seat first? Pacing like this won’t change anything."
"Jasmine, don’t you worry about what that girl will tell the chairman?" Lawrence grumbled. "That child doesn’t know what’s good for her! She could say all sorts of things, and we’re not there to defend ourselves!"
His face soured as he thought about how this all started. "This is all because of Melissa. Where is she?!"
"Honey, just calm down first, okay?"
"Jasmine, how can you not worry?" Frustrated, Lawrence brushed her hands off him and faced her. "Aren’t you scared? The chairman warned me already! If Lola said something, I’m sure he wouldn’t just break off Melissa and Derek’s engagement—he would withdraw all their investments and the projects we have with them!"
Jasmine crossed her arms slowly, unfazed by her husband’s flurry of panic.
"Not to mention those properties..." he winced, feeling his heart tighten with frustration.
Lawrence had done his best to find a new buyer. He no longer hoped to sell the land to multiple buyers—he just wanted something in return. But no one was interested, even with the broker’s help.
Now, those documents were out of his hands, and his capital flow was bleeding heavily. On top of that, the chairman of the Lancaster family was onto him.
How could Jasmine not see why he was restless?
"Hon, have you forgotten who came here for Melissa’s engagement with Derek?" Jasmine spoke calmly, watching her distressed husband turn toward her. She nodded at him. "And who did we meet not long ago?"
The panic on Lawrence’s face slowly faded.
"That is why I am calm," Jasmine continued, stepping closer. She settled one arm on his shoulder, crossed the other behind his back, and hooked it over his other shoulder.
"The Summit Partners and the Bennets," she whispered. "The Chairman Lancaster might’ve been angry, but if the Summit Partners and the Bennets favor our family, do you think that’s not enough to shake the Lancaster Family?"
She tilted her head. "Derek was promoted because the Summit Partners signed an agreement with them. It’s only one project, hon. Imagine if they became permanent partners—and if Melissa brought the Bennets into our business and theirs."
"The board of directors and shareholders of the NL Group would surely see Derek differently," she continued, her voice persuasive. "Forget about him being part of the board—he might even end up becoming the CEO of NL Group."
The two stared at each other while Jasmine smirked. Slowly, Lawrence calmed down.
"That’s right," he breathed, nodding. "We still have the Summit Partners and the Bennets."
"That’s why you should stay calm," she chuckled. "The other members of the Lancasters will soon regret looking down on us. There’s no need to scold Melissa for this. She’s our lucky charm. Unlike that Lola, who only gives us headaches."
He frowned at the mention of Lola, but it didn’t overshadow their lifeline.
"But the Summit Partners are elusive," he huffed. "Aside from Mister Harvey Ryaa, we don’t know anyone in their top hierarchy."
As the thought crossed his mind, his mouth curved downward. "But the NL Group met with one of their executives."
"Exactly," Jasmine hummed. "Hon, don’t you find it strange that Melissa caught the Summit Partners’ attention, yet the NL Group benefits from it?"
"What do you think I should do?"
Jasmine smiled. "Well, don’t worry about that for now. I already told your daughter about my plans."
"You don’t plan to tell me?"
"Of course I do," she poked the tip of his nose, smiling sweetly. "But you’ve been under so much stress that I want you to relax first. Besides, I already heard from Mrs. Bennet."
Lawrence gazed at his wife until his eyes softened. He held her hand, squeezing it gently.
"Surely, you’re the only one who understands me," he whispered, hugging her as he let out a deep sigh of relief. "I’m really glad to have you by my side, Jasmine."
Jasmine smirked, side-eyeing him. "Not like your late wife, huh?"
"Jasmine, are we still on for that?" he asked, letting her go and frowning. He cupped her face and leaned closer. "Of course. Loren was never a match for you. The only thing she had was her father’s wealth."
"You were head over heels for her before."
"Honey, can we not talk about that?" His frown deepened. "Loren is dead. Let’s not talk about the dead; it’s not good for either of us. Besides, you’re my wife, and you’ve fulfilled my dream of a family. Even now, you’re always on my side."
Jasmine chuckled playfully, rolling her eyes. "Fine. Let’s not talk about the dead..."
DING! DONG!
The couple raised their brows at the doorbell ringing. Curious, they walked to the lobby to check—expecting perhaps a returning Lancaster. But when they arrived, they stopped beside Melissa.
"Melissa, did you go shopping again?" Lawrence frowned at his daughter, only to see her shocked expression.
"I didn’t buy anything," Melissa defended herself. "How could I, when I can’t even shop at the stores I usually go to?"
"What’s in those?" Jasmine asked the maid, who was carrying a box inside.
"It’s a gift for... Miss Melissa," the maid read from the small note on top of the box, then handed it to her.
"A gift for me?" Melissa whispered, checking the note.
It read:
[To Melissa Young.]
There was nothing else written. She looked at her parents in confusion, then opened the box to reveal a luxury bag. The family of three checked the rest in the living area. Most of the boxes contained not just luxury bags, but also high-end dresses, heels, and accessories.
"Who... sent this to me?"
Jasmine furrowed her brows. "Melissa, do you have a secret admirer?"