Chapter 13
Edward assigned Yasmin an overwhelming workload with tight deadlines. The sheer volume of tasks was enough to overwhelm even full-time employees, let alone a newly arrived intern. After the meeting, Adrian Elsher, a third-year senior from Dunville University and a fellow law student, approached her. “Yasmin, haven’t you noticed? Edward seems to be deliberately targeting you.” Yasmin wasn't surprised. “Is it because I’m an intern and he’s afraid I’ll slow down the team?” she asked. Adrian shook his head, lowering his voice. “No, his girlfriend is also an intern at our firm. He wanted her on this project, but the senior partner assigned you.” Yasmin understood immediately: Edward was using his authority for personal revenge. “If you need help, just ask!” Adrian offered confidently. Yasmin smiled and thanked him.
The Mayford Acquisition was a massive deal involving two major corporations with multiple subsidiaries. The tasks Edward assigned weren't particularly difficult, but Yasmin, uninvolved in the project's early stages, needed time to familiarize herself with the materials. Starting was always the hardest part, but she wasn't discouraged.
Caleb, who typically dined privately in his executive suite, unexpectedly appeared in the company cafeteria with several senior executives. His arrival caused a stir. Edward and the legal team were seated nearby. Upon seeing Caleb, Edward enthusiastically greeted the executives. Warren exchanged pleasantries, but Caleb remained silent, his gaze sweeping over the project team, his brow furrowed. Harris, standing behind Caleb, asked, “Mr. Sullivan, isn’t your team missing someone?”
Edward was caught off guard. “Huh? No, everyone’s here. The cafeteria food is excellent!” Harris persisted, “I recall your team had a young lady, Ms. Whitmore, who handed Mr. Grant a document this morning.” Edward, internally cursing Yasmin, forced a smile. “Oh, Yasmin? She had urgent work to finish. You know how fast-paced our firm is.” Harris raised an eyebrow. “Mrs. Grant never missed a meal while studying abroad in Eldham, where good food was scarce, yet she misses one here?” He added suggestively, “Mr. Sullivan, while work is important, so is our health. Meals shouldn't be skipped. We gave the team a loose timeline, didn't we?”
The Grant Group executives exchanged puzzled looks. Why was Harris concerned about an intern missing lunch? Was this Caleb's instruction? Edward, sweating, tried to recover. “Of course! Your company hasn't pressured us, but we hold ourselves to high standards.” Harris glanced at Caleb's almost unreadable, slightly annoyed expression.
The next day, noticing the Grant Group's unusual attention to Yasmin, Edward sent her to deliver a document to Warren, hoping to give her some face time. Warren, remembering yesterday's encounter, saw an opportunity. After signing the document, he casually said, “Ms. Whitmore, this report also requires Mr. Grant’s approval. Please deliver it to the CEO’s office.” Yasmin hesitated but reluctantly agreed, unwilling to antagonize a major client.
Minutes later, Warren realized something—he hadn't told her where the CEO's office was. He called Harris. “Oh, it’s fine. I can see her,” Harris replied, spotting Yasmin exiting the elevator. “That’s great!” Warren ended the call, feeling something was amiss. How did she find the office? He didn't know that Yasmin was intimately familiar with the CEO's office in Grant Tower.
“Mrs. Grant!” Harris approached. Yasmin checked her surroundings. “Mr. Evans, please address me appropriately.” “Uhm… How should I address you?” Harris asked. “Yasmin or Ms. Whitmore,” she replied. “Ms. Whitmore, you didn’t go to the cafeteria yesterday. Was the food not to your liking, or—” “It’s not what you think,” Yasmin interrupted. “I had work to do. This document needs Mr. Grant’s review. Could you pass it along?”
Harris refused. “Ms. Whitmore, external documents must be personally delivered.” Yasmin, suspecting his motives but knowing his professionalism, reluctantly walked to the office herself. Harris knocked, then brought Yasmin inside. “Sir, Mrs. Grant is here.” Yasmin glared at him. Caleb froze at the unexpected sight. “Divorce papers?” he asked. “No…” Yasmin replied. “I forgot to bring our divorce papers. I'll remember next time.” Harris, exasperated, left, closing the door.
“I’m here to deliver the document from our legal team,” Yasmin said, handing it to Caleb. Caleb, his expression inscrutable, watched her intently. Yasmin concisely summarized the document's key points, her delivery smooth and professional, yet with a youthful formality. Caleb watched her intently. After a moment, he gestured. “Come here.”