Chapter 57 A Woman
Henry raised his eyebrows—they were talking about a woman? Ethan was actually stirring up such a fuss about finding a woman that he was coming to Boston early?
The thought piqued Henry’s interest. Exactly who was this woman that warranted such urgency from a man like Ethan?
"It's settled then. I'll take care of everything personally for Ethan tomorrow night," Henry said, glancing at his assistant to check his schedule. "Push back my appointments for the next few days. I’ve got to be available for Ethan's stay here in Boston."
His assistant caught on to the importance of Ethan, but by the way Mr. Patrick spoke, it seemed like Ethan was merely a pretext.
Because Henry’s gaze never left Jasmine.
"Look into the Douglas and the Wilson families. Find out why she’s in Boston," Henry commanded. He had been longing for a chance to go to Silverlight City ever since Jasmine was released. He never anticipated that she'd show up on his doorstep.
Leaning back in his chair with a deep look in his eyes, Henry mused that this time Jasmine had brought this upon herself...
And he certainly wasn't going to let her go easily now.
"She’s... isn't she just a receptionist at the club?" His assistant was stunned, unable to make the connection between her and the prominent Douglas and Wilson families of Silverlight City.
Henry paused, then looked up sharply. "Ben, how long have you been with me?"
Ben stuttered nervously, "Si—six years, sir."
"You didn't recognize her?" Henry felt an unexpected tightness in his chest.
Jasmine had changed so much.
Even Ben had failed to recognize her.
Shocked, Ben brought a hand to his lips. "I... I can't believe she’s changed so much."
Jasmine Wilson, the heiress.
In his first year on the job, Ben had learned of his CEO's interest in a serene, noble wealthy heiress— the one woman their CEO yearned for but couldn’t have.
And now, just six years later, she had completely transformed.
"Mr. Patrick, does she know about what you..." Ben trailed off, hesitant to finish.
Henry gave him a stern look. "Watch your mouth."
Ben bowed his head. "I’m sorry, Mr. Patrick, my mistake."
After recognizing Jasmine, Ben couldn't help but steal several more glances at her, his gaze filled with tension.
It had been six years since he first saw Jasmine. He had just graduated and was interning under Mr. Patrick's wing, so he accompanied him to Silverlight City. He remembered watching Jasmine perform a solo ballet on stage at the opera house.
She was breathtakingly beautiful on that stage.
Ben knew Jasmine was meant to be a radiant, noble swan, a pure white presence gracing the skyline.
It wasn't until later that she found herself in the mire, with no one to lend a helping hand. All the men who couldn't win her love wanted to trample her underfoot, to see her humiliated and eagerly await her to grovel before them.
Undoubtedly, Henry had won. The Jasmine of six years later had lost her edge and showed up beside him as a shadow of her former self.
Jasmine had transformed completely.
"Mr. Patrick, what do you think of this look?" The image consultant asked, presenting Jasmine for Henry's approval.
Henry took his time before responding. "I preferred the long hair."
Subconsciously, Jasmine's hand went to her head, her posture shrinking, and her gaze lowering.
She had once taken pride in her raven hair, naturally sleek and straight even without attention. But like her pride, it had been mercilessly cut off.
"Take care of the bill," Henry instructed his assistant.
Jasmine followed anxiously. She at least needed to know the price.
Noticing the panic in Jasmine's eyes, Ben spoke up softly. "The short hair suits you too."
Jasmine hesitated then gestured helplessly. "Can I... just have one? It's too, too expensive."
Ben still remembered their first conversation. Jasmine had asked him, with a bright and alluring smile, "Being an assistant must be tiring, huh? Having to chase girls for your boss."
Back then, she was radiant, almost ethereal, setting all hearts racing.
She handed Ben a bottle of water and accepted the white rose from him. "Your boss would hassle you if I didn't accept it, right?"
To Ben, Jasmine was that princess with beauty, kindness, and pedigree – someone who should always stay unattainable.
But seeing a moonlight goddess dragged through the muck was utterly disheartening.
"Are you sure you want to be with our boss?" Ben asked quietly when they were alone, probably feeling guilty.
He knew that Henry had feelings for Jasmine, but his version of affection...
Over the years, Henry had a string of women – all ballet dancers, all reminiscent of Jasmine's old self. No matter whom he dated, traces of Jasmine lingered.
After a moment, Jasmine managed a weary smile. "I don't have a choice..."
If there had been another option, she wouldn't have stooped so low.
But now, stripped of self-respect, did she even have a chance to choose?
Staying with Henry was surely better than being at the mercy of Daniel and those villains.
Ben cast his gaze downward, feeling a sense of regret. "Don't worry about clothes. Mr. Patrick has always been generous to women, and I'm sure he'll be even more so with you. Staying by Mr. Patrick's side, at least you'll be safe. As long as he's willing to keep you around, you won't have to worry about anything else."
In Ben's eyes, what he once thought of as pure moonlight was, in the end, tinged with the colors of the mundane world.
He didn't think any less of Jasmine now; he was just reflecting on the ways of the world.
Jasmine remained silent, her head bowed.
"Where are you staying?"
On the way back, Henry inquired.
Jasmine stared blankly out the car window, momentarily lost in thought.
She had arrived in this unfamiliar city days ago and hadn't had a proper rest since.
Henry gestured to his assistant to drive around the city, giving Jasmine a chance to take in the world outside.
"The growth... it's so rapid." Jasmine gazed out at Boston's vibrant nightlife with wide-eyed wonder.
She had been to Boston in her teens when it was a less developed place.
She remembered Evan saying that only Silverlight City counted as a big city and Boston was just the sticks.
Jasmine had argued back then, believing that every city had its own unique cultural charm and characteristics.
Now that it had developed, it seemed to lose some of its former beauty.
"These high-end malls, hotels, and entertainment venues; they're all Mr. Patrick's properties," his assistant said with a smile as they passed by.
Jasmine leaned against the window, quietly watching the world outside.
The trees still held fresh snow from the recent fall, though the roads were already clean.
After five years in prison, what Jasmine longed for most was freedom.
While Jasmine's gaze remained fixed on the world outside, Henry's eyes stayed on her. "Let's go to the National Park."
His assistant, caught off guard, drove to the National Park.
Stepping out of the car, Jasmine surveyed the snowy scene in the park, a rare smile gracing her features.
She loved the snow for its purity and pristine whiteness.
"Aren't you cold?" Henry furrowed his brows as he saw Jasmine's hand reach out to catch the snowflakes.
"It feels warm..." Jasmine offered a rare smile in response to Henry.
He stood there, stunned, realizing he had never known her to be so easily content.
Six years ago, he had spared no expense at an auction to buy her jewelry, eager to elicit a smile, to see her happy.
But back then, Jasmine remained aloof and was always trailing behind Daniel, hardly sparing a glance for anyone else.
Was it really enough to just bring her out to see the snow and have her this happy?
Maybe he never really knew what Jasmine wanted.
And no one else seemed to know either.
"Didn't get much snow in Silverlight City, did you? Ever have a snowball fight as a kid?" Henry draped his coat over Jasmine's shoulders, crouched beside her, and started to mold a snowball.
Then he playfully tossed it at Jasmine.
She paused, looked at the snowball in her hand for a long time, and then burst out laughing.
But her laughter carried a tinge of bitterness.
Henry stood up and looked at Jasmine, his expression not particularly good. "Let's go, we're heading back."
He regretted...
Three years ago, he had gone to visit Jasmine in prison, but she had refused to see him.
Chapter 58 Boston
On the way back, Jasmine fell asleep against the window.
Henry motioned for his assistant to turn up the heat and switch off the music, driving smoothly and quietly.
"Mr. Patrick, I've found out... Miss Wilson escaped to Boston on her own. The Wilson and Douglas families don't seem ready to let her off the hook. I heard Daniel is coercing her into marrying the son of the Douglas family's butler, who's mentally ill. She called the police and fled."
Ben's voice was hoarse.
He couldn't fathom why all the cruelties of the world seemed to target this kind-hearted woman.
Henry's expression darkened, his gaze growing heavy as he looked out the car window.
"That Miss Wilson could have ever liked someone like Daniel, she must have been blind... Bad luck in meeting the wrong person," Ben remarked wistfully.
Six years ago, he’d felt Daniel wasn't worthy of Jasmine.
But back then, Jasmine only had eyes for Daniel.
"It was an accident Miss Wilson showed up at the club. One of the managers there, Emily, was her cellmate in prison. They needed extra help for a business gala, and Emily asked Miss Wilson to step in, initially as a hostess. Seems like Miss Wilson doesn't drink much, and Emily, being somewhat decent, put her on reception duty instead."
Henry furrowed his brow and glanced at Jasmine, realizing that if he hadn't recognized her at the club, she may have faced harsher circumstances.
"Miss Wilson is now living in an apartment provided by the club with Emily. It's not the best place," Ben said softly.
"Let's go home," Henry said, resolute in his decision not to let Jasmine continue cramming into a rental with strangers.
"To Mansion No. 9, or..." Ben hesitated, unsure.
Over the years, Henry had many women, most of whom visited the mansion, including Melissa, who had been with Henry the longest and always met him there.
Not once had Henry ever brought any woman back to his own place.
"We're going to Serene Haven."
Ben looked back at Henry in surprise, as if seeking confirmation.
Without another word from Henry, Ben headed straight there.
It was Henry's own home, a place no woman had ever entered.
Henry rubbed his temples as he watched Jasmine sleep. This time, he truly wasn't going to let her go easily.
...
Silverlight City.
Richard's auto repair shop.
Justin sat in the courtyard, deftly solving a Rubik's cube. At only five years old, he was exceptionally fast at it.
"Hey, kid, where are your folks?" Called a man from behind the wheel of a van, peering through the iron gate.
Justin glanced up. "Uncle's at work, no car repairs today."
Richard was moonlighting as a bodyguard for the wealthy: one day on, one day off.
Today Justin was home alone.
The man looked around. "Hey, little guy, I've got some candy. Open the gate for me, and I'll take you out to play."
Justin eyed the man skeptically. "Can't take candy from strangers, and I'm not going out with you. Are you a kidnapper?"
The man was taken aback by the little troublemaker. "Hey, who taught you that? Uncle's just trying to be nice by offering you candy."
"Well, first, you are not my uncle, and I've already got candy here too. Would you dare to eat it?" Justin put down the cube and countered.
The man laughed, admiring the child's smarts. "Open the gate, I'm really not a bad guy. I just want to take you somewhere."
Seeing Justin's indifference, the man grew stern and got back in his van, preparing to ram the gate.
Someone had paid him to bring the child in, and he was just following orders.
Just as he was about to drive into the gate, a black sedan pulled up at the curb.
The sight of another person made the man in the van drive off hastily.
Liam stepped out of the car, eyeing the van suspiciously.
Without any further thought, Liam, holding snacks, approached the gate. "Justin."
Seeing Liam, Justin ran over joyfully. "Uncle!"
"Mr. Douglas sent me with some food for you."
Justin nibbled on his lip, asking softly, "Isn't Dad coming?"
"Mr. Douglas is swamped, so it's impressive he even thought of you, little troublemaker," Liam chuckled, squatting down to ruffle Justin's hair through the gap in the door. "I've taken care of your school enrollment, and Richard will take you to school tomorrow. Pay attention in class, and don't open the door for strangers, okay?"
Justin nodded obediently.
Suddenly, something seemed to strike him, and Justin dashed into the house, coming back with a carefully folded piece of paper. "This is a gift for Dad."
Justin was genuinely trying to win Ethan's affection; he truly wanted Ethan to be his father.
Liam took the paper without correcting the little boy's reference to Ethan. "Mr. Douglas and I have to go on a business trip to Boston tomorrow, so be good while we're gone."
"Will you bring Mom back with you, Uncle?" Justin missed his mom.
"Yes," Liam nodded, knowing Jasmine was most likely in Boston, and suspecting Ethan’s trip was for the purpose of finding her.
Recently, Daniel and Evan had been desperately searching for Jasmine, and Ethan feared they might harm the child.
Given Daniel and Evan's modus operandi, they might use the child to force Jasmine to return.
"Uncle, you have to keep your promise," Justin said, his eyes welling up.
Liam paused, then nodded. "Justin, can you think of any friends your mom might have in Boston?"
Justin thought for a moment then looked up at Liam. "There's Auntie Emily; she got out before Mom and came to see me. I remember her phone number."
Justin had a remarkable memory, especially for numbers.
Astonished by Justin's intelligence, Liam asked him to write down the number.
Leaving behind the snacks, Liam got into the car and glanced at the drawing Justin had made, unexpectedly moved by it.
Justin had drawn two adults holding a child's hand.
Ethan, as the dad, was holding an umbrella, shielding him and his mom from the rain.
The longing for a complete family was so evident in the drawing.
...
Boston, the airport.
Ethan arrived in Boston earlier than planned and didn't inform Henry.
"Did you find the address?" Ethan asked, his voice deep.
"Emily lives in the collective dormitory of The Club, on Sunset Terrace."
Liam hailed a cab and headed straight to Emily's place.
"It's the wee hours, and this woman still isn't home," Liam muttered to himself. "Emily's a nightclub hostess."
Ethan furrowed his brow. "Take me to the club!"
Liam hesitated. "Mr. Douglas... going directly to the club isn't the best idea, that's the SHC Group's haunt, and Mr. Patrick will definitely hear about it."
"Don't make me repeat myself." Ethan's irritation was palpable as he contemplated the possibility of Jasmine being there, entertaining guests with drinks.
Not daring to object further, Liam drove straight to the club.
In the wee hours, the club was just heating up.
"Excuse me, do you have someone named Jasmine here?" Liam approached the receptionist with the question.
The nightshift receptionist shook her head. "I don't know her."
"What about Emily?" Liam pressed on.
"You're looking for Emily? She's currently entertaining a client; I'm afraid she can't come to see you right now." The receptionist looked troubled. "The client she's with tonight is quite influential, so..."
Emily was with the Anderson party.
"Room number." Ethan didn't wait in the car; he made his way into the club.
Stunned by Ethan's commanding presence and good looks, the young receptionist blurted out in a stutter, "Are you... Mr. Douglas from Silverlight City?"
"Where's Emily?" Liam asked again.
"Room 3688..."
Ethan's expression was grave as he entered the elevator.
The receptionist was terrified, wondering if she had made a mistake. Ethan was a figure even more formidable than Mr. Patrick.
Shivering, she quickly grabbed her phone and called the manager.
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