Chapter 112: And The Winner Is...

"... Jasmine Voss."

I sighed as polite applause spread through the room. It wasn’t as if we hadn’t expected this outcome but hearing it in person was a different thing altogether.

I joined in the polite clapping as Jasmine stood, a smile on her face. She was the perfect picture of graceful triumph and humility. That was Clarisse’s training.@@novelbin@@

"Thank you." She said, her voice carrying just the right note of sincerity. "I am honored by your trust and will dedicate myself fully to ensuring Apex’s continued success."

Based on her words, one would think this was the end of the fight but it definitely wasn’t. Not if I had anything to say about it.

Jenny remained seated, keeping her expression calm as expected. We’d both known it was unlikely she’d win this round. But now, there was a… fire in her eyes that wasn’t there before.

From the smile I could see on Clarisse’s face, I could tell that I wasn’t the only one that had noticed it.

It seems that losing the interim board vote had fired up Jenny’s desire to win even more.

Good.

"However," Hayes continued, raising a hand to end the applause, "I must acknowledge the significant support that Jenny Voss received during this vote."

I raised a brow and leaned forward. What was going on?

"The board was not unanimous in its decision. It is clear that both candidates have compelling visions for the future of Apex Investments."

Everyone with Voss as their last name glanced at Clarisse and confirmed the thought that just entered our minds. She was behind this. She wanted everyone to know this information.

Does this mean…

Jasmine’s smile faded for a split second before she recovered. I smirked at that. A small win but a win nonetheless.

"Ms. Voss." Hayes addressed Jenny. "While the board has chosen Jasmine for now, we are deeply impressed by your proposals and the potential they represent. We encourage you to continue developing your ideas and engaging with the board as we move forward."

Jenny stood and gave a gracious nod. "Thank you for the opportunity to present my vision. I remain committed to Apex and its success, and I will continue to work toward earning your trust."

It didn’t take too long after that for the meeting to be adjourned and the board members began to leave. Clarisse was the first to leave but I stayed in my seat, watching as the room slowly emptied.

Jasmine took her time, enjoying her victory as she accepted congratulations from a few members. As was her right as the winner. For now.

I glanced up as Jenny walked over to me. When she reached my side, she exhaled softly, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction.

"Well?" She asked quietly.

I smiled. "That wasn’t a loss. Not really."

She raised an eyebrow.

"She didn’t win the way she wanted to." I said, crossing my hands over my chest. "Both the board and your mother are not fully behind her. That’s progress, Jenny."

"That’s kinda true." Jenny nodded. "But probably not the whole truth."

"What do you mean?"

"The announcement of my support among the board members? That’s her saying she’s on no one’s side. She wants us to battle it out but she won’t leave things to chance. Whoever wins the final vote will be whoever she picks."

"This…," She gestured to the boardroom, "is just to give us the illusion of control. An illusion to make us think we’re actually in charge of our destinies when we aren’t."

There was silence for a moment at her words before I broke it. "At least, we’ve got Jasmine exactly where we need her."

Jenny crossed her arms, glancing at her sister, who was still holding court near the door. "She’s got the title, though. And three months to solidify her position."

"And we’ve got three months to make sure she doesn’t." I replied. "Think about it. This wasn’t the landslide she probably expected. Just as we’ve previously confirmed, her foundation isn’t as strong as she pretends it is. All we have to do is keep chipping away. Three months should be enough time for that."

Jenny nodded slowly, her expression shifting from disappointment to determination. "You think the Ward partnership will be enough?"

"It’s a start." I said, shrugging. "Amelia’s influence will help sway public opinion and build credibility while your own actions and of course, our propaganda will help strengthen your position with the board."

"All you need to do now is to turn the partnership into Apex’s golden goose. You’ve got Amelia’s connections, your brains and my money." I grinned. "And of course, we’ve got time."

Jenny rolled her eyes, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You’re annoyingly optimistic, you know that?"

I smirked. "It’s called strategy. Optimism just makes it sound nicer."

Jenny laughed at my words and in that moment, it was like all her worries fell away. "Alright, strategist. What’s next?"

"For now, we regroup." I said. "Focus on building momentum. And maybe take a moment to breathe. We’ve got a long fight ahead but we’re on the right track."

Jenny nodded, a hopeful smile on her face. "Guess I’ve got work to do. See you later."

I watched as she left, not moving from my chair. At this point, most of the people who sat around me were gone and the only ones left in the room were those with power.

They mingled among each other and my eyes roamed around the room, landing on Jasmine who was laughing as she held court, playing the part of the gracious winner.

It might be my imagination but I swear I could see it. The tightness in her posture. The uncertainty. The insecurity that told me she’d noticed the cracks in her own armor.

I stood with a smile on my face. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

Three months was more than enough time to turn the tide and by the time the final vote rolled around, Jasmine wouldn’t know what hit her.