Chapter 7X
Jasmine should’ve been thrilled. Isabella was finally out of the picture–just like she’d always dreamed. No more awkward glances, no more being the “other woman.” But the scandal ruined everything.
Her phone buzzed again. Yet another article with her and Kevin’s names in the headline. Affair Exposed: Valencia Heir Cought with Sister–in–Law. The video had gone viral overnight, spreading through every major business blog and gossip site. Her stomach turned.
“This is a disaster,” Kevin muttered, his voice tight as he paced the living room.
Jasmine crossed her arms. “Don’t look at me like that. It’s not like I leaked it?
Kevin spun to face her. “Then how the hell did she get that video? It was taken in my office, Who even had access?“X
Jasmine shrugged. “Maybe she’s been stalking us.”
But deep down, Jasmine knew the truth.
She had sent the clip.
She’d done it in a moment of frustration, convinced it would be the final blow to push Isabella out for good. Just like before–just like always.
beginning, Jasmine believed she held the strings. It had always
Isabella had been easy to manipulate. Easy to overshadow. From the very begi worked
She remembered it clearly–their teenage years, when Isabella had gotten top honors in school. Jasmine had “accidentally spread rumors that Isabella was cheating, planting suspicion among teachers and classmates. When Isabella’s reputation dimmed just slightly. Jasmine felt the thrill of power!!
Or when they were both debutantes, and Isabella had been chosen to represent the family at a prestigious event. Jasmine had convinced her she looked “too plain” and should drop out before embarrassing herself. Isabella had withdrawn days before the gala, and Jasmine stepped in–graceful and radiant–as though it had always been her spot to begin with.
“She lets me win, Jasmine had told herself for years. “Because she knows she can’t beat me.”
So when Isabella finally retaliated–when she left, exposed them, humiliated them–Jasmine couldn’t comprehend it. This wasn’t the quiet, submissive girl she had always controlled.
She had underestimated her. Gravely. And now, the consequences of all those years of quiet cruelty were unraveling fast–and publicly. Kevin’s eyes narrowed. “You’re lying”
“I’m not,” she said quickly, avoiding his gaze. “Why would I ruin us?”)
He scoffed. “Because you’ve always hated her. And now thanks to that leak, my name’s a joke. My family’s furious. The board’s panicking”
His phone buzzed again–this time from his grandfather!
What’s going on, Kevin? Clean up this mess. Or you’ll lose your inheritance &
Kevin gritted his teeth and slammed the phone on the table. “Unbelievable “W
“Maybe this is a good thing.” Jasmine offered. “Now we can finally be together without hiding. We just need to spin this. Say it was love all along. Get married. Show them we’re serious,” ”
“Shut up, Jasmine, Kevin snapped
She blinked. “What?
“I don’t care about spinning anything, I need to find Isabella”
“Wait. what do you mean “find her? Are you seriously still thinking about her after all this?
Kevin didn’t answer. His silence said everything.
Jasmine’s voice grew sharp. “You said you didn’t love her!”
“I don’t,” he snapped again. “She just–she can’t divorce me like this. I didn’t even agree to it!”
“So it’s about pride now?” she said coldly.!!
He clenched his jaw “Call it whatever you want. But she doesn’t get to walk away from me like that.
Jasmine watched him, heart sinking. Even after everything, Kevin still cared. Maybe he didn’t understand it yet, but the ache in his chest wasn’t anger it was regret.
Kevin pulled out his phone and dialed again. Then again. But each call went straight to voicemail E
“I need the police,” he muttered “Private investigators. Anything. Just find her.”
Hours later, the response came “We’re sorry, sir, But since you’re no longer her legal husband, we cannot disclose any information regarding her whereabouts ”
“But I didn’t agree to the divorce
“The papers are signed and filed “I
Kevin threw the phone across the room. It shattered against the wall
Meanwhile, across the estate, Gregory stood in the room, phone in hand, reading reports from business partners pulling out of deals Their name was tainted, their reputation unraveling.
He summoned Jasmine!
When she entered he old That was wre than wall
When she entered, he was cold, Quiet. That was worse than yelling.
“Tell me,” he said, voice low. “Is it true you pushed the blame on Isabella?“!!
Jasmine hesitated. “No–of course not-
“Ive seen the files. Don’t lie.”
“L I didn’t mean for it to go this far,” she said, shrinking under his glare. “I was jealous. I just wanted her gone.”
Gregory’s jaw tightened. “So you ruined our family’s reputation. It was you when I always blamed Isabella! And for what? Your own insecurity?”
Jasmine’s voice faltered. “I thought… I was doing what was best.”
Gregory’s hand came down on the desk with a thud. Then, without another word, he stood and looked at her–not with anger, but disappointment so deep it made her stomach twist.
“I think it’s clear now,” he said coldly. “The mistake wasn’t Isabella… it was trusting you. You were the one who brought shame to this family,”
Jasmine froze.
“You manipulated. Lied, Turned everyone against her.” His eyes darkened. “You wanted her gone? Fine. But now the one who needs to leave is you“!
He turned to the butler. “Get her out of this house. Now”
“Father–please–1” she cried, stepping forward. “You don’t mean that! I was just trying to protect us-”
Gregory didn’t look back. “No. You were trying to protect yourself.”
The butler appeared, quiet and firm, and gently but unyieldingly led Jasmine toward the doors. She didn’t resist–but her eyes burned with rage as she was guided out!
Outside, Jasmine yanked her phone from her clutch, her fingers shaking as she typed.
A message. Short Final
“Don’t ever come back here, Isabella, or I’m going to kill you.”
