Check mate

For the next fifteen days, Jazmine Harrison was practically glued to the office, presiding over countless meetings, trying to salvage the three existing projects.

At the same time, she launched multiple small projects and invested in smaller companies to help stabilize the financial standing of Tang Enterprise.

"Thank you, President Harrison. I will never forget your kindness in trusting a small company like ours." Gideon Langford bowed respectfully.

Jazmine gave him a brief nod.

"I accept your gratitude, Mr. Langford," she said, her voice calm but sharp. "But let me remind you—I don't like betrayal. If you ever breach our contract…" Her gaze darkened. "I can ruin you in minutes."

Gideon shivered.

This woman—!

One second, she was an angel. The next, a devil.

Such a drastic shift in her aura was almost unbearable!

He quickly straightened. "President Harrison, you've shown me kindness and recognized my company's potential when no one else did. I would never dare go against you."

Satisfied, Jazmine turned and left the conference room.

Who didn't know?

There were no friends in business.

Only profit.

"Did you replace the reports in Corey Nielson's office?"

There was no one else Jazmine could trust for this confidential task.

"Yes, President. And here are the latest reports on the updated stock prices of the construction company."

Jazmine flipped through the papers.

A smile lit up her face.

"Good. Did you read it, Emily?"

"Yes. The stock prices have gone up by 50% in just fifteen days!"

Jazmine leaned back, a pleased look in her eyes.

"It will go up even further," she murmured.

Just wait and see.

In half a year, stock prices would rise by more than 100%.

Emily nodded. "It makes sense, President. With the new government policies, there's a surge in demand for construction resources. The increased demand will naturally drive up prices."

Jazmine held the majority—58% of the shares.

The next highest shareholder? A mere 19%.

She had full control.

"But what baffles me is…"

Jazmine raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Emily? Ask away."

Emily hesitated, then said, "How did President know? Someone as prudent as you wouldn't have bought these shares unless you somehow knew this would happen. But the government policies were highly confidential."

Even the most influential businessmen hadn't known.

Jazmine paused.

Then, after a moment—

"Ahh…" She smiled faintly. "Let's just say I had a hunch. A massive hunch."

Emily sighed, looking slightly disappointed.

Did her President not trust her?

But how could Jazmine possibly explain that she had died and reincarnated?

"Oh, right," Jazmine said, switching the topic. "I've been keeping you too busy lately. Arrange for an interview for a new company secretary. From now on, you'll be my secretary."

Deluding Corey Nielson wasn't an easy job.

At this point, she couldn't trust anyone else.

Emily sighed in relief.

She hadn't been sleeping much these past few nights.

"But, President, your schedule is completely packed," Emily pointed out.

"Then make time. I don't want you dying from overwork. You're very important to Tang Enterprise." Jazmine smirked slightly. "Besides, if you died, where would I find a better coffee maker?"

Emily's lips twitched.

Her President was serious.

In her past life, Emily had chosen to resign rather than betray her.

Now, Jazmine intended to reward that loyalty.

Emily's face lit up like a flower in spring.

"Thank you, President. I'm delighted that you consider me important and—" she smiled, "—a capable coffee maker. I will continue to do my best for you and Tang Enterprise!"

A knock on the door interrupted them.

"President, while you were in the meeting, I received a call from Mr. Anderson's secretary."

Jazmine paused, flipping through documents.

She didn't look up.

"What did he say?"

"He told me to clear your schedule for a week, starting on the 18th of next month."

Jazmine's pen stilled.

"You are my secretary," she said, her voice cold. "Not his, to order around."

Emily hesitated before continuing.

"He also said he has reserved two seats for the Anderson family's private island."

Jazmine's grip on her pen tightened.

For a moment, she said nothing.

Then, slowly, the truth sank in.

She let out a low, ironic laugh.

If, in her previous life, she had known that all it took to make David Anderson willingly take her to the Anderson family's island was to cancel the honeymoon she originally planned, she would have done so immediately—instead of begging him.

But now?

It was nothing but trouble.

Jazmine leaned back, crossing her arms.

"Emily, my husband has planned a trip for us. Should I be happy? Should I leave my office behind and enjoy the blissful moments of married life?"

A dangerous glint shone in her green eyes.

Emily didn't hesitate.

"No, President Harrison. You shouldn't."

Her lips twitched—she knew exactly what answer her President wanted to hear.

She continued, "Corey Nielson is feeding false information to Mr. Anderson—thanks to your prudent strategy. Leaving him aside, there are at least eight men on the board of directors who are loyal spies for Mr. Anderson.

Leaving the office would only grant them an opportunity to exploit your absence."

Jazmine smirked.

She liked her secretary.

"Then you know what to do?"

"I'll immediately decline him."

As Emily prepared to make the call, Jazmine leaned back in her chair, looking out the window.

David Anderson's motives were clear.

This wasn't an act of kindness.

It was a test.

A game of chess between two people who had never trusted each other.

And she?

She never lost.