Chapter 64 Competition Between Ethan and Henry for Jasmine
Emily looked at Ethan in shock and instinctively moved aside, quietly watching them interact.
A woman's sixth sense was quite accurate; it was easy to see if a man had ill intentions.
At least for now, Ethan didn't seem to have any ill intentions.
On the side, several managers exchanged surprised glances. Who exactly was this Jasmine?
Mr. Patrick personally delivered her breakfast, and now Ethan came in person to appease her.
Now, everyone was on edge, contemplating how to handle Jasmine properly and sensibly in the aftermath.
"Mr. Douglas... everyone's watching." Liam stood to the side, looking utterly lost.
In this club full of eyes, he, a CEO and heir of Stellar Enterprises, was lowering himself to comfort a woman.
As Ethan reached out towards her, Jasmine hesitated, wanting to raise her hand.
But halfway through the motion, she pulled back, instinctively distancing herself from Ethan and slowly moving away, "I'm sorry..."
Apologizing to the managers with hunched shoulders, Jasmine then apologized to Ethan. "I'm sorry."
"Come with me." Ethan grabbed Jasmine's wrist, wanting to lead her away.
The burn on the back of her hand had mostly healed, but there was a circular burn not far from one of her lower eyelid’s, a shocking sight.
In fact, everyone in the club could tell how she got that injury—it was clearly a cigarette burn.
Jasmine's face was too flawless and pale; it lacked any color, making the cigarette scar very prominent.
"What happened to your face?" Ethan inquired.
Feeling self-conscious and fearful of the attention, Jasmine tried to pull away from Ethan.
Since Jasmine remained silent, Ethan didn't press her any further. He took out a burn ointment from the car and handed it to Jasmine.
Jasmine hesitated for a moment, looking at the ointment and then up at Ethan.
He had the burn ointment in the car because of her hand...
Shaking her head, Jasmine sarcastically lowered her head, mocking herself for being presumptuous. It was impossible.
"Aren't you afraid of scarring?" Ethan asked casually when Jasmine didn't apply the ointment.
He wasn't good at conversing with women, but he wanted Jasmine to let her guard down.
But Jasmine was too guarded.
After shaking her head, Jasmine then smiled at Ethan.
That smile... carried a hint of self-mockery.
How could she be afraid of scarring when she was already covered in wounds, both inside and out?
"Come back to Silverlight City with me; I didn't consider things properly this time." Ethan never apologized voluntarily, but Jasmine had indeed taught him a lesson.
He was used to being high and mighty, never truly putting himself in someone else's shoes.
Jasmine shook her head.
She couldn't go back. Henry had personally delivered her breakfast this morning, and now she was standing on the edge of a cliff. Going back would be like willingly walking into a trap.
Ethan had the capability, but he couldn't protect her forever.
She had nothing to offer Ethan in exchange.
At the very least, Henry was Justin's biological father, and in any case, she was already tied to him.
"Jasmine, you're not foolish." Ethan didn't elaborate, giving Jasmine time to think.
Jasmine knew what Henry's intentions were.
During the trial five years ago, she went to prison, and Henry watched coldly from the sidelines.
Even Ethan knew that someone with Jasmine's character must have worked hard to reform in prison, so why didn't she get even one chance for a sentence reduction or parole?
Even Emily was released six months early.
"There's still a week left until the banquet. I'll be in Boston until the 3rd of next month. You have a chance before I leave," Ethan handed his business card to Jasmine. "Think it over carefully."
Jasmine held the card, her fingers trembling.
Ethan was also a businessman; he wouldn't extend goodwill without reason.
Both men would keep her in secret; they’d probably both be engaged in dirty dealings behind closed doors, so it was up to Jasmine to choose between Henry and Ethan.
"Are you trying to poach one of my people again, Mr. Douglas?" A black car pulled up beside them, and Henry got out, asking this question that seemed to have a deeper meaning.
"Just competition," Ethan replied casually.
"If I remember correctly, Jasmine used to be your brother's fiancée," Henry said as he pulled Jasmine into a hug, as a challenging smile spread across his face.
"You said it yourself, used to be," Ethan's voice was low.
"Mr. Douglas, aren't you afraid of rumors tarnishing your reputation in Silverlight City?" Henry was reminding Ethan that Jasmine was involved in too many scandals; he should steer clear of her.
Jasmine hung her head but caught another layer of meaning in his words.
She was dirty.
"The dirt is in the rumors and in people's hearts," Ethan said meaningfully before getting into his car.
"Mr. Douglas, there's a get-together tonight. I'd like to extend my hospitality," Henry said politely.
"We appreciate your kindness, Mr. Patrick, but... please manage the women around you," Liam rushed over, sizing up Jasmine with a glance, and quickly ushered Mr. Douglas into the car to take him away.
This couldn't continue. These two big shots were on the verge of a fight.
Henry's face darkened, and his hand on Jasmine's shoulder tightened. "From now on, you're not allowed to meet him."
Jasmine winced but remained silent.
Henry took the card from Jasmine's hand and asked lightly, "Do you think I can't protect you on my own?"
Jasmine didn't respond.
Henry tossed the card aside, clearly displeased.
Ben stood nearby and quickly spoke up. "Mr. Patrick, Miss Melissa... came to bother Miss Jasmine."
Henry paused in his steps and turned to look at Jasmine. "Why didn't you call me?"
Jasmine still didn't say anything.
Henry knew well that Jasmine didn't trust him and kept vigilant at all times.
"Jasmine, only I can protect you all the time, understand?" Henry lifted Jasmine's chin as his fingers lightly brushed her cheek.
He wanted Jasmine to rely on him completely, but it seemed she needed more time, and he had to find more ways to make her trust him.
Jasmine lowered her head and murmured softly, "All the time..."
How long was "all the time"?
Wasn't the duration of this "all the time" solely his decision?
It could end at any time.
"Let's just go home," Henry said, no longer interested in dealing with those old folks in the business circle and got into the car with Jasmine.
"What do you want for dinner? I'll have it sent home," Henry asked softly.
Jasmine was huddled by the car door and thought for a moment. "I'll cook something myself; there are ingredients in the fridge."
Thinking back to the breakfast that tasted quite good, Henry asked curiously, "When did you learn to cook?"
"Before going to prison, for about a year..." Jasmine's voice was hoarse.
The things that happened that year were more terrifying than death.
It made her prefer going to prison rather than staying outside.
Henry looked at Jasmine and asked after a long pause, "Before the trial, I asked if you wanted to follow me. You refused. Do you regret it now?"
In Henry’s eyes, she had wasted five years; she had endured so much, only to end up by his side, where she could have been if she just gave into him all those years ago.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
