Chapter 187 Ethan Takes Jasmine on a Vacation
Ethan, as if he had anticipated Howard's move, leaned back in his chair with a nonchalant demeanor. "I have indeed been overworked lately. It's touching that my father is so considerate, wanting to give me a break... I really appreciate it... Thanks for stepping up, Daniel."
Ethan offered a faint smile and signed his name on the resignation form that Liam had brought.
"But someone who's already quit—without my approval to leave—now considering a return..." Ethan was butting heads with Howard now.
Clara was well aware that anyone who wanted to return after Ethan's approval to depart had to go through HR's scrutiny all over again.
If Ethan was this confident, there was no way he'd let Branson come back. And even if Branson were to be rehired, it wouldn't be in the same position.
"Ethan, why don't you go home and rest up? I can handle things at the office just fine without you," Daniel said with a hint of arrogance.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, stood up, and adjusted his watch. "I'm out."
Jasmine and Liam exchanged a glance before quickly following Ethan. "Mr. Ethan…"
"Cancel all my appointments, except for the banquet at Huihai," Ethan said, casting a brief look at Jasmine before continuing, "Tell our partners that I'm sick."
Jasmine took a deep breath. "Mr. Ethan... you're giving Daniel a chance. What if he actually takes over your position?"
"He'll have to be capable enough for that," Ethan said with a scoff.
"Liam, you stay and handle the follow-up. Jasmine and I are on vacation." Inside the elevator, Ethan had a relaxed demeanor with a touch of smugness.
Liam looked confused. "Why is Jasmine getting a vacation too?"
"She's my personal assistant, of course, here to assist with my life. You, on the other hand, are versatile—keep up the good work," Ethan said, blocking Liam from the elevator and closing the doors.
Jasmine was slightly panicked as she anxiously looked at Ethan. "Mr. Ethan, are you sure about this?"
Ethan assured her, saying, "I've got everything arranged. Starting now, don’t worry about anything. Just focus on enjoying our vacation."
"What?" Jasmine was flustered. "The heiress of Huihai Corporation's wedding banquet is in Bali..."
"We'll head out early and have some fun." Ethan had the trip planned already.
Jasmine followed Ethan out of the elevator, completely bewildered.
It didn’t feel like Clara or Daniel was outmaneuvering Ethan; instead, Ethan seemed to be the one playing them.
"Mr. Ethan... Did you anticipate Mr. Howard giving you a vacation?" Jasmine asked timidly.
Ethan was in good spirits, having gotten rid of the troublesome Branson and now looking forward to a holiday with Jasmine. Things couldn't be better.
"He's essentially cautioning me to comply, or else I'll be taking an indefinite leave," Ethan responded, fully grasping Howard's implicit message.
However, this was precisely what Howard had been hoping for.
"But…" Jasmine hesitated. "Can Liam handle it all by himself?"
Ethan's brow furrowed, his gaze piercing as he pressed Jasmine against the car door. "You're my life assistant, so why concern yourself with what he's up to?"
Jasmine hesitated, her voice laced with worry. "I just fear Daniel might scheme with the partners while you're in this vulnerable state..." She dreaded the possibility of Daniel seizing everything from Ethan when he needed support the most.
"Firstly, he'd need the capability," Ethan retorted, opening the car door and gently guiding her inside before securing her seatbelt. "And secondly, you seem to doubt your man."
Nervously, Jasmine clasped the seatbelt, uncertain of how to respond.
"What's rightfully mine can't be snatched away..." Ethan's smile was reassuring as he leaned against the car seat. "And what can be taken isn't worthy of my concern."
Jasmine found herself unable to tear her gaze away from Ethan, captivated by his words.
"Anyways, pack your stuff at home. We're flying out today," Ethan instructed as he got into the car and sped off toward home.
Jasmine realized Ethan was in a hurry, probably because if he waited any longer, Howard would find numerous reasons to call him back.
"Today? Today?" Jasmine was shocked. "What about Justin?"
"Don't worry, I've got everything arranged for Justin," Ethan said with a smirk, looking every bit the cunning fox.
Jasmine took a deep breath, realizing the extent of Ethan's planning. He had arranged this days in advance, and that realization brought her immense relief.
If Jasmine's guess was right, it wouldn't take more than three days for the upper management and the board of the Gu Corporation to be in an uproar.
Ethan undoubtedly left Daniel grappling with a multitude of complex issues, susceptible to errors. Once Daniel slipped up, Howard would see that Stellar Enterprises, at least for now, couldn't get by without Ethan.
Indeed, Ethan didn't get to where he was today by being easy to deal with.
Jasmine was worrying for nothing, having been anxious just moments before.
...
Resort area.
After over seven hours of flying, Jasmine had traveled from Silverlight City to the resort hotel in Bali.
Throughout the trip, Howard had made several calls to Ethan, who had turned off his phone upon boarding the plane and only switched it back on after landing.
"Mr. Ethan, I'll check us in. Why don't you relax in the lounge area for a bit?" Jasmine said, setting the luggage aside to handle the check-in.
Ethan pulled Jasmine into his embrace. "This is a vacation. You don't need to act like my actual assistant here."
With a guilty "oh," Jasmine realized that abroad... it seemed no one recognized her.
And it felt wonderful.
The hotel attendant conversed with Jasmine effortlessly, her English fluent and her laughter genuine.
Ethan observed Jasmine, recognizing the confidence she exuded – like a flower in full bloom. She used to be the top in Silverlight City…
Ethan felt a tightness in his chest just thinking about Jasmine's past achievements and wondered how much she regretted it.
"Jasmine, after we go back to Silverlight City, let's file an appeal," Ethan said as he took Jasmine's hand and led her into the room.
Jasmine paused, momentarily not understanding Ethan's intentions.
Ethan looked at her seriously and explained, "I have evidence that you are innocent and that someone had deliberately kept you from getting out these past five years. Let's file an appeal. I've already discussed it with a lawyer, and while it may take time, our chances of winning are high. Once we clear your name, we'll go to the Department of Education to appeal and complete your remaining studies. Whether you want to pursue graduate school or study abroad, I'll support you..."
For a long while, Jasmine gazed at Ethan in silence, unable to find her words.
Regardless of his intentions, Ethan's actions had affected her deeply. With tears welling in her eyes, Jasmine leaned in and planted a kiss on Ethan's lips.
Ethan's body stiffened, and then he raised his hand, pressing it against Jasmine's head to take the lead.
Jasmine, usually not one to initiate, responded earnestly.
Emily was on her way to Silverlight City, her body mostly recovered, and she had been giving Jasmine daily lessons on various... adult maneuvers, teaching her how to captivate a man in bed.
Recalling Emily's advice caused Jasmine's ears to burn red.
She pondered whether discussing such topics was appropriate. However, she felt too shy to admit her uncertainty.
"Cold..." Jasmine muttered, leaning against the wall. The chilly tiles drove her into Ethan's arms.
Ethan appeared to take pleasure in teasing her, keeping her ensnared in his embrace.
Jasmine had no choice but to wrap her arms around his neck and cling to him.
"Ethan..." Jasmine whispered softly as she took the initiative and kissed Ethan's ear.
This was something Emily had taught her... Men's ears were supposedly very sensitive.
"Hmm?" True enough, Ethan's voice became hoarse.
"Thank you," Jasmine's breath was hot, flirting by Ethan's ear.
Ethan inhaled deeply. "No pleading later, crying won't help either."
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