Chapter 18

“Thanks, Adrian. Just drop me off at the subway entrance. It’s easy to get home from there. I really can’t thank you enough for today.” As Yasmin recalled the scene outside the Grant Group building, a guilty feeling lingered. It stemmed, she thought, from her strong sense of morality; after all, she and Caleb weren't yet officially divorced.

“I already said I’d take you home, so of course I will!” Adrian smiled shyly. “But if you feel the need to thank me, how about a movie this weekend? Dinner’s on me.”

Yasmin politely declined. “Adrian, I’ll be back on campus this weekend, so I’m not free.” Adrian, however, missed the hint entirely. “It’s alright. We work together; we’ll have plenty of chances in the future!”

He followed the navigation system to a high-end residential area near the city center. Seeing the luxurious villa, he hesitated. Even a senior partner wouldn't necessarily live in such a place. “You… live here?” He glanced at Yasmin, then at her simple canvas tote bag. She didn't look wealthy.

Yasmin nodded. Before she could speak, a security guard approached with an umbrella, respectfully escorting her from the car. Adrian remained doubtful. “I just assumed, since you always carry a canvas bag and don’t wear expensive brands, that you were…”

“That I wasn’t rich?” Yasmin finished his thought, smiling nonchalantly. “The house isn’t mine, and I find canvas bags convenient.”

“Oh…” He pondered a moment, then gently advised, “Just be careful. If you dress too modestly at work, others might underestimate you and try to take advantage.” He didn’t mention Karen.

“Thanks for the advice, Adrian. I’ll keep it in mind.”

As Yasmin disappeared, Adrian felt a pang of disappointment. His family was middle-class; he’d never lacked for money, but he couldn’t dream of living in such a villa.

Later that evening, Yasmin, selecting clothes, glimpsed her designer collection: LV, Chanel, and Hermes bags neatly arranged. She thought of Adrian’s comment. The bags were practical and stylish, perfect for work. But her canvas bag was lighter than an LV, so she kept using it. She didn’t care about others' opinions; these things had always been readily available. While other children competed over toys, hers were jewelry. An LV bag or a canvas bag made no difference to her.

She sat on the balcony, reading a legal textbook. Standing to return inside, she noticed a Rolls-Royce Phantom parked below. The interior lights were off, but she saw the faint glow of a cigarette. Someone was smoking inside. Caleb had taken the Phantom today, too.

Yasmin stiffened. She wanted to see who was downstairs. After a moment, she regained her composure. She must have been imagining things; Caleb would never act like this. Why would he wait for her downstairs?

Just as she turned away, another car passed, momentarily illuminating the Rolls-Royce’s interior. A familiar, cold face was visible. Caleb tilted his head, looking directly at her.

Yasmin’s heart skipped a beat. Her first instinct was to hide, but she stopped herself. She couldn't show weakness. Holding her gaze, she watched the Rolls-Royce. Despite the distance, she felt the tension between them. What did he want? It didn't matter; she had to leave the company.

Yasmin retreated inside. Caleb took a final puff before extinguishing his cigarette. The name “Adrian” echoed in his mind. He opened his tablet, displaying Adrian Elsher’s file, sent by Harris minutes earlier. Adrian Elsher: dual degree from Dunville University’s law school, top of his class, considered one of the most handsome students, mild-mannered, and well-liked. He came from a stable, middle-class family. This was the man Yasmin liked? Rather boyish. So, only him? She was divorcing him for this? She'd even removed her wedding ring? Caleb had only one thought: her taste was appalling.

“What? You’re quitting? Are you out of your mind?” In the small conference room, Edward stared at Yasmin, aghast. “Yasmin, do you have any idea how lucky you are to be on the Mayford Acquisition case? People beg for this opportunity, and now you’re quitting?”

“Mr. Sullivan, I don’t believe I can effectively contribute to this project. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.” Yasmin apologized sincerely, but her resolve was firm. “Also, I stated during my interview that I needed to return to university next week, requiring leave regardless.” She should have left the moment she met Caleb on the team; that had been a bad omen!

Edward wanted to tell her to leave. He’d been hoping to get his girlfriend onto the project, but Caleb had insisted on Yasmin as the exclusive liaison. If she left, it would be chaos. “You can’t quit. I won’t approve it!” he snapped. “Do you know how rare an opportunity this is? Don’t be ungrateful.”

“Mr. Sullivan, I’ll complete my handover today. If my resignation isn’t approved, I’ll formally quit the firm.”

He turned red, jabbing a finger at her. “Are you threatening me? Yasmin, are you seriously threatening me? If you don’t cooperate, I’ll make it impossible for you to continue in this line of work!” As a top lawyer, he could make good on that threat.

“I sincerely apologize, but I’ll complete my handover.” Staying away from Caleb and Edward was worth finding another job.

After the argument, Yasmin didn’t join the team for lunch. She sat alone on a park bench, eating yogurt.

“Yasmin, I heard you’re resigning?”

She turned to see Adrian beside her. “Adrian?” She was surprised. “Didn’t you go to lunch?”

Adrian shook his head. “I didn’t have much of an appetite.” After a pause, he hesitated, then asked, “Yasmin, why are you quitting? Is it because I’m bothering you?”

“Huh?” Yasmin was stunned. “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I want to pursue you.” He smiled self-deprecatingly. “After last night, I realized you might be out of my league. But… But I’ll work hard and make myself worthy of you!”

“Adrian, I…” Yasmin didn’t know what to say. She’d sensed his interest last night, but, about to leave the team, she hadn’t expected a confession. “Adrian, I’m not quitting because of you. You’re talented, and you shouldn’t underestimate yourself.” She struggled to answer, fearing hurting him. “But I have personal reasons for not accepting your feelings. I’m sorry.”

Adrian hid his disappointment and forced a smile. Just as he began to speak, his gaze swept behind her. “Mr. Grant!” He stood, startled by the interruption.

Yasmin turned to see Caleb, impeccably dressed, his tall frame radiating cold authority. Beside him stood Veronica, smiling.