Chapter 16

“How would I know who tipped off the Grant family?” Veronica snapped, her voice rising. “Oh, so you’re not denying you want to marry Caleb?” Yasmin smiled, her tone teasing. “Yasmin—” “Since you have no useful information, you’ll have to ask Caleb about the divorce yourself,” Yasmin smoothly interrupted. Veronica fumed. Yasmin silently replayed their conversation. She had long suspected Veronica; after all, who had more reason to ruin her reputation? Before the incident, no one expected the Grants to approve of Caleb marrying someone with Yasmin's reputation. But if not Veronica, then who?

Caleb and the legal director, Warren, arrived to sign documents. To Yasmin's disgust, Warren seemed unsurprised to see Veronica, even greeting her warmly as she left, his tone bordering on flattery. This was inappropriate for a friend of the boss. Remembering Veronica's insinuation, Yasmin's stomach churned. Fortunately, she expertly controlled her emotions, smoothly answering her future ex-husband's questions. Warren listened; it was his job. But Caleb's gaze towards him was cold.

“Mr. Grant, the last two pending issues require confirmation from our project manager,” Yasmin said, closing her notebook. “Given my position, direct liaison is inappropriate. Next time, a senior colleague should handle discussions. What do you think, Mr. Hoffman?” She intended to avoid further encounters with Veronica in Caleb’s office.

Warren was caught off guard. He blurted, “I think that’s a great idea—” then, seeing Caleb’s icy glare, stammered, “W-Well, that can be discussed!”

Caleb leaned back, his expression unreadable. “I believe Yasmin is perfectly capable. Her communication skills and professional knowledge are on par with her senior colleagues!” Warren, fully committed to backpedaling, declared this.

Yasmin sighed. “To be honest, I don’t even have my law license yet.”

Warren gasped. “Really? I never would’ve guessed! Dunville University is truly the best!” This was blatant flattery.

“Yasmin, I hope you’ll still handle my cases,” Caleb stated firmly. “I’ll relay this request to your partners.”

Yasmin smiled, barely suppressing irritation. “Mr. Grant, may I ask for an explanation?”

“Because the others…” Caleb paused dramatically. “…are ugly.”

Yasmin stared. “You’re unbelievable.”

Caleb calmly accepted the insult. “And you’re just realizing this?”

Warren watched, alarmed. Since when were there ugly people in the company? The entire legal team is objectively good-looking! he thought. No, wait. She just dissed the CEO and he let it slide? The CEO and her… Could it be? He had a shocking realization. But it was impossible. Everyone knew Caleb and Veronica were a couple.

Caleb remained calm and confident. The longer Yasmin stared, the angrier she became. She turned to Warren. “Mr. Hoffman, I need to speak with Mr. Grant privately.”

Warren was puzzled. Hadn't Veronica just been here? Why did they need to talk alone? How fast had their relationship progressed? He looked at Caleb with trepidation. Seeing Caleb nod, he slipped away, giving Yasmin a look that seemed to say, “Crap! When did you guys hook up?”

“Caleb, what exactly do you mean?” Yasmin demanded, taking deep breaths.

“You’re not pretending not to know me anymore?” he mused.

She laughed coldly. “Mr. Hoffman probably thinks I’m your new mistress now.”

Caleb frowned. “That’s not the point.”

Yasmin dismissed it, leaning forward. She used her height advantage to look down at him. “Mr. Grant, when is your lawyer available to discuss our divorce? Now would be ideal, don’t you think?”

“He’s in Eunish. He’s not available.” Caleb’s voice was eerily calm. “Minnie, what exactly are you upset about?”

“What am I upset about?” Yasmin laughed bitterly. “My husband is entangled with another woman, yet he refuses to divorce me. Shouldn’t I be upset? Mr. Grant, I’m seriously in a rush to finalize this divorce!”

Caleb’s expression darkened. The poised businessman was gone, replaced by a cold, ruthless man. He stood, looking down at her. “What’s wrong? Is your little boy toy getting impatient?”

“What boy toy?” Yasmin didn’t react in time. Caleb laughed. “So, you’ve already moved on? That’s fast.”

Yasmin remembered her fake boyfriend. If Caleb wanted to call him a boy toy, so be it. “He’s not in a rush. I am,” she said coolly. She was already defending him.

Caleb’s eyes narrowed. “Yasmin, you like one person today and another tomorrow. Have you ever truly loved anyone?”

Yasmin had been wooed by boys since middle school. Veronica couldn’t even keep track of her dating life. “You’re right. I’m not like you, who’s so devoted to Veronica that you even gave her a top-tier endorsement like Sparkle.” She clapped mockingly. “Mr. Grant, you’re always so generous and unwavering in your support for her.”

Veronica had quickly pivoted to hosting after injuring her hand. While in university, she hosted gigs on two TV shows sponsored by Grant Group. Upon graduation, she was given her own talk show, fully backed by Grant Group. Now, despite being a second-tier host, she had an ultra-luxury endorsement. Caleb had practically paved her path to success.

Sensing something deeper, Caleb asked, “So, this is what you’re angry about? If you want an endorsement, I can—”

“Stop,” Yasmin cut him off, her expression utterly indifferent. She didn’t care about endorsements. Did she look like someone who needed them? She was a law student. Caleb was trying to buy her silence. Her gaze darkened, but she changed her mind. She stepped forward, brushed her fingertips against her jaw, and leaned in. Caleb sat indifferently, allowing Yasmin to straddle him.