Chapter 39

Forcing herself on him! Indeed. To outsiders, that's precisely what Yasmin appeared to be doing. A month ago, Sasha's words might have stung, but now Yasmin was unfazed. She smiled. "Sasha, even if Caleb dislikes me, as long as we're not divorced, I'm still his wife. Even if I slapped Wendy, no one would dare criticize me."

Sasha, a close friend of Wendy's mother, Bianca Williams, was clearly using this to settle old scores. Yasmin casually fiddled with her fingers. "To put it bluntly, even if I slapped you now, people would only ask what you did to provoke me."

"You—" Sasha fumed, her trembling hand pointing at Yasmin. Then, a chuckle escaped her. "Yasmin, you haven't met Corine, have you? You only have Mrs. Grant Senior on your side, but Corine despises you. Let's see how long you maintain that smug attitude!"

Sasha referred to Caleb's mother, Corine Jenkins.

A maid interrupted, announcing, "Mrs. Grant, Mr. Grant Senior requests your presence." Yasmin immediately followed her to the study.

Benjamin sat sternly in his chair, his aged eyes still sharp, a testament to his formidable past. Caleb sat calmly beside him, sipping tea, his demeanor mirroring his grandfather's.

"Mr. Grant Senior, how have you been?" Yasmin greeted.

"Excellent," Benjamin said directly. "Did you and Caleb argue?"

Yasmin instinctively glanced at Caleb. She'd planned to keep their conflict quiet until after Gracie's birthday, unprepared for this immediate confrontation.

"Don't look at him," Benjamin instructed. "I want the truth from you."

Yasmin looked back. "Mr. Grant Senior, how did you know?"

Benjamin didn't answer directly. "Marriage isn't child's play. It wasn't easy for you two to come together, so I hope you take it seriously."

Yasmin's expression shifted. Benjamin's stance was clear: he wanted to prevent a divorce, viewing it as a disgrace. His pride, however, was matched by his deep love for Gracie. If they could persuade her, perhaps reconciliation remained possible.

Benjamin waved a hand, addressing Caleb. "Go on. Your mother awaits you at the loft."

At the mention of Corine, Caleb frowned, rising to give his grandfather a brief nod. "I'll handle my mother. Yasmin can stay and keep Grandma company."

Benjamin frowned in disapproval. "Caleb, I know you want to protect Yasmin, but this isn't the way. What daughter-in-law doesn't meet her mother-in-law upon returning?"

Yasmin's heart skipped a beat. Caleb was protecting her.

Corine had lived alone for years, residing in a charming, secluded loft a few blocks from the estate.