Chapter 645 Jasmine Has Started Being a Villain
Jasmine dragged Ben and Tom into the conference room and plopped herself right into the president's chair of the Douglas Group.
Claire showed up a bit late, but she had this air about her, like she was already sure she was gonna win.
"I thought I made it clear that this woman isn't allowed in the Douglas Group," Jasmine muttered under her breath.
The head of security slipped in and whispered, "She brought a lawyer and the cops with her."
Claire even called the police.
"Since this is a family matter, it's better to talk things out. Even in wealthy families, you shouldn't make a scene and become a laughingstock," the police officer chimed in, trying to keep the peace.
Claire shot Jasmine a smug look and took a seat off to the side.
Jasmine just smiled.
This was something else; Claire actually had the nerve to call the cops.
"Well, since the police are here, that's even better. Saves me the trouble of calling them myself," Jasmine said, standing up and looking at the officers. "I want to report that Claire is suspected of multiple crimes: forging evidence to frame me five years ago, bribing the Wilson family's nanny to create false evidence against me, and being involved in the murder of Annabelle, Ethan's mother, and repeatedly harming me and Ethan."
Claire's face twisted with anger. "Jasmine, you need evidence to back up your words."
"Evidence?" Jasmine leaned on the table, staring Claire down. "Don't worry, I'll show you."
Claire frowned, realizing Jasmine was not the same person she used to be.
"Since this is an internal family and company matter, resolve it properly," the police officer said, glancing at Claire. "Don't call the police for everything and waste public resources. We're out."
After the police left, Claire's lawyer stepped up. "Regarding Howard's inheritance dispute, there's a lot of controversy. Even though Claire and he had an agreement to divorce, Howard passed away during the cooling-off period. We believe that Claire and Howard's marital relationship hadn't completely broken down, and they could have stayed married. Plus, Claire has been taking care of him all these years and should rightfully inherit the marital property."
The lawyer slapped the documents on the table and looked at Jasmine. "Claire has the right to inherit not only Mr. Douglas's assets but also Ethan's property."
"According to the law, Claire, as Ethan's stepmother, was his de facto guardian, which is an undisputed fact," the lawyer said confidently.
Jasmine's fingers slowly clenched, her anger boiling over.
"Claire actually wants Ethan's property," a few board members started whispering.
"We believe that Claire, as an elder who has contributed to the company and has some management experience, is more suitable to manage the company," one board member chimed in, backing Claire.
Jasmine shot Claire a cold look.
"No matter what, I am Ethan's mother. If something happens to him, as his mother, I have a legal obligation to fight for his inheritance," Claire said with a smile, each word poking at Jasmine.
Jasmine just stared at Claire, her eyes icy and focused.
"When I married into the Douglas family, Ethan was still a kid. I am his stepmother, which is an indisputable fact," Claire said, spreading her hands. "If Ethan were still here, even when I get old, he would have to take care of me."
"If he doesn't take care of me, I can still sue him," Claire continued, trying to rile up Jasmine.
"Jasmine, no matter what, Claire is your mother-in-law. You should understand the importance of respect and humility," a board member stood up, siding with Claire.
Ben looked at Jasmine, worried she might lose it.
Jasmine stayed seated, silent. When Claire finished her spiel, she stood up and looked at Claire's lawyer. "As a lawyer, you shouldn't take on just anyone's case. Be careful the backfiring."
The lawyer gulped, clearly a bit shaken by Jasmine.
"Since today is a family matter, it will just be me, Claire, and Bradley staying. Everyone else can leave," Jasmine said, pointing to the board member who had just spoken.
The board member frowned. "This is also a company's matter."
Before he could finish, Jasmine shot a look at the head of security.
"Mr. Anderson, please leave first." A dozen security guards came in to clear the room. The board members exchanged glances, realizing that the Douglas Group's security was now under Jasmine's control.
The board member shouted, "Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!"
"Enough. Get back to work," Harold sternly reprimanded and led the way out.
Bradley didn't leave; he sat there quietly.
Jasmine didn't force him out either and had the security close the door.
As soon as the door closed, Jasmine slapped Claire's lawyer across the face.
The lawyer was stunned, looking at Jasmine in shock. "Jasmine! I'm going to sue you; assault is illegal!"
Tom stepped forward and pinned the lawyer to the table.
Jasmine looked coldly at Claire's lawyer. "A person has to be dead for their property to be called an inheritance, understand?"
The lawyer was momentarily stunned, breaking out in a cold sweat.
Jasmine's gaze was murderous.
She was warning the lawyer that Ethan wasn't dead, so it was personal property, not an inheritance.
Claire was also shocked. This Jasmine was truly crazy. She used to be so weak, but now she was so brazen. Ethan must be backing her up.
"But assault is still illegal." The lawyer tried to struggle.
"Did anyone see me hit you? All anyone saw was you cursing my husband." Jasmine signaled Tom to throw the lawyer out. "Next time you speak out of turn, it won't just be a slap."
The lawyer was thrown out, falling to the ground, his glasses flying off in fear.
"Jasmine! Don't go too far." Claire slammed the table and stood up.
Jasmine turned around, pressing her hands on Claire's shoulders and pushing her back into her seat. "What's the rush? It's not your turn yet."
"What do you want to do? You sent everyone away; are you planning to hit me? I'm still your mother-in-law in the name." Claire was starting to panic.
"You've been too idle lately, thinking that Mark deleting part of the video of Ethan's mother's murder would clear your name?" Jasmine grabbed Claire's hair and slammed her head onto the conference table.
In prison, the most common thing she saw was fighting; she wasn't incapable of learning.
Claire looked at Jasmine in disbelief, her whole body trembling in pain.
"How dare you!" Claire hadn't finished speaking when Jasmine slammed her head onto the table again.
Ben stood protectively behind Jasmine while Tom leaned against the conference room door.
Outside, security personnel were standing guard.
Mark's people had arrived, but unfortunately, they couldn't get in.
"Jasmine, you're crazy." Claire tried to call for help, and Jasmine let her shout; it was useless. They couldn't get in for now.
"Shouting won't help." Jasmine looked at Claire coldly.
"Jasmine, I think you've lost your mind!" Claire said, trembling.
"I am crazy. What can you do about it? I learned all this from you." Jasmine released Claire, whose nose was already bleeding, looking utterly disheveled.
"Go ahead and call the police, but who goes in first is still uncertain." Jasmine took the alcohol wipe Ben handed her, wiped her hands, and threw it in Claire's face before turning to leave. "If you want to seize control of the Douglas Group, you better have the capability."
The conference room door opened, and Mark stood outside with his men, looking panicked, his face still bearing injuries.
Jasmine glanced at him and sneered. "It seems you really want me to use some means."
Mark glared at Jasmine angrily and rushed into the conference room with his men.
Claire was already wailing.
Jasmine looked at the head of security. "Is everything handled?"
The head of security replied, "Rest assured, the conference room's surveillance was broken yesterday."
Jasmine raised an eyebrow and left with Ben and Tom.
Mark wanted to go after Jasmine, but one of his men ran over in a panic. "I saw Ethan!"
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