Chapter 109 Ethan Let Jasmine Borrow His Influence
Long-time employees like Daria often rested on their laurels, exuding a deep-seated arrogance from their tenure at the company. They weren't easily shaken by minor incidents.
To pull Daria closer to Ethan, Jasmine understood she had to seriously shake her up, to chip away at her pride.
"When do you plan to use me?" Ethan remembered Jasmine asking him about his peanut allergy.
"Tom... tomorrow," Jasmine replied, still showing traces of fear. "Don't worry, Mr. Douglas, I'll have the anti-allergy medicine ready ahead of time to ensure you're safe."
Ethan smiled. "I'm looking forward to your show of loyalty."
Jasmine nodded vigorously, her head bowed.
"Come on, let's get you acquainted with the company."
Jasmine was dumbfounded as Ethan began to personally show her around. Instead of a simple tour, this felt like parading her around, borrowing his influence.
As Ethan's assistant, Jasmine would inevitably have to interact with various departments, and he knew they wouldn't make it easy for her. To increase her efficiency, he had to establish her authority first.
Jasmine's palms felt warm, and the fingers she habitually clenched slowly relaxed. She cautiously followed behind Ethan, stealing glances at him.
Ethan had an inherent aloofness and detachment as if nothing mattered to him.
Jasmine once thought Ethan was heartless. She recalled hiding from him during her teens when visiting the Douglas family. Since Daniel feared Ethan, she did too.
But seeing him now, Ethan didn't quite match the rumors. He was cold, yet not without principles.
She needed to work harder. Being valuable to Ethan was essential. That way, even if their 'marriage of convenience' ended, she could still become his most trusted aide.
"Mr. Douglas, your schedule's looking pretty tight. Your usual Saturday off might have to be shelved this week because of that Sunday meeting with Overstorm Interactive in Hawaii," Jasmine mentioned when she caught a moment with Ethan.
"'Didn't Liam say we can leave early Sunday morning and still make it?" Ethan asked casually.
"That's true, Mr. Douglas, but it's Stellar Enterprises' first collaboration with Overstorm Interactive, and this project in Hawaii is crucial for our future expansion into Hawaii markets."
Jasmine was articulate and confident when discussing work.
"I've done some digging on Otis Phelps from Overstorm Interactive. He likes recognition, and appreciates a bit of flattery. If we head there early, and visit him the same night, it will not only boost our chances of success but also leave a solid first impression."
In the industry, Ethan's position was unshakable, yet his youth didn't stop people from criticizing his alleged arrogance or feeling threatened by his rapid ascent above those who'd been in the game longer.
Particularly Daniel, who'd built his reputation at Stellar Enterprises on so-called 'humility' and manners to win favor.
Those who found Ethan's confidence off-putting naturally gravitated towards Daniel's approachability.
Jasmine always tried to anticipate Ethan's needs.
Ethan stopped and turned to look at Jasmine. "First day on the job and you're already plotting to fill up my only day off?"
Jasmine stuttered, scrambling for a justification. "Hawaii...the resort area, it has...beautiful scenery, you could enjoy a stroll and some rest."
He nodded, not voicing a thing.
He'd already tacitly approved Jasmine's plan.
He realized keeping Jasmine close as his assistant was a wise move.
Liam, being a guy, might miss some details that Jasmine caught.
Besides, Liam was a relative on his mother's side. Eventually, he'd have to promote him. He couldn't keep Liam tied to him forever.
Jasmine seemed as though she could work with him for a lifetime.
He paused mid-step, surprising himself.
Jasmine stumbled into Ethan, bewildered by his sudden halt. "Mr. Douglas, anything else we need to plan?"
After a moment's thought, Ethan asked, "What do you feel like having for dinner?"
Jasmine glanced around surreptitiously before whispering, "Mr. Douglas, we're on the clock."
Ethan nodded. "Any plans after work?"
Jasmine took a deep breath, not bothering to hide the truth. "Henry reached out... he wants to check in on Justin."
Ethan's brow furrowed, and his expression darkened instantly.
Seeing Ethan silent, Jasmine followed behind him without a word.
She opened her mouth a few times, intending to explain, yet she remained silent.
How was she going to explain that Justin's primary physician had called and requested his biological father's cooperation during an examination? It felt a little pointless.
If it hadn't been for Justin, Jasmine would never have reestablished contact with Henry in this lifetime.
Henry knew as well, that with Justin involved, there was an unbreakable bond.
"Good to see you, Mr. Douglas."
"Mr. Douglas, what brings you to our department during work hours?" asked a department head, who was on friendly terms, with a smile.
Ethan's face was somber, his voice low. "Do you have too much free time?"
The department leader thought to himself, 'I am working, aren't you the one with free time wandering around with your assistant?"
"Did you have something to discuss during your visit, Mr. Douglas?" someone boldly inquired.
"She is the new assistant, get to know her for future coordination," Ethan introduced.
The manager was taken aback. Should CEO assistants even make the CEO introduce themselves to other departments? What did Assistant Liam do back then?
"Hi, I'm Jasmine," she quickly stepped forward.
"Hello, hello, a pleasure to meet you," the manager replied courteously, reaching for Jasmine's hand.
Ethan eyed the manager. "Did you sanitize your hands?"
The manager awkwardly withdrew his hand, wondering when sanitizing became necessary for a handshake with an assistant.
As Ethan walked away without another word, Jasmine hurried after him.
Once Jasmine and Ethan left, the department erupted in whispers.
Everyone began to gossip. "Who exactly is this Jasmine? Ever since she arrived, the rumor mill's been in overdrive, and now Mr. Douglas is personally escorting her through the departments. What sort of treatment is this?"
"I think I heard that she was once Mr. Daniel's fiancee?"
"Shush! Keep conversations about Jasmine to a minimum in the future. Read the group chat, Owen and the others have penned a public apology letter and announced their resignations!"
At that, everyone fell silent.
The entire staff fell silent.
It was clear that Jasmine was not someone to be trifled with.
...
As the end of the workday approached, Jasmine didn't dare leave because Mr. Douglas showed no signs of heading out.
When the boss doesn’t leave, the assistant can't clock out early.
Restless and standing to the side, Jasmine kept stealing glances at Ethan.
It seemed like he didn't have that much work requiring overtime, so why was Ethan not preparing to leave?
With a grim expression, Ethan held some documents, tapping the edge of his desk gently with his right hand.
"Mr. Douglas..." Jasmine glanced at the clock, she had a six o'clock appointment with the doctor.
"There's one more document that needs to be signed," Ethan said, placing the file on the table. "In a hurry?"
Jasmine quickly waved her hands, "I just..."
Ethan looked up at her. "Rushing to see Henry?"
"It's not that... Justin's physician said Henry should go for a checkup," Jasmine explained softly.
"Let Richard handle it," Ethan said, frowning.
Jasmine nodded eagerly. "Alright."
Downstairs at Stellar Enterprises.
Henry waited in his car, face dark with irritation. It was already six o'clock, and Ethan was still not letting Jasmine leave.
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