Chapter 117: Why This Scrutiny?

In the days of old, when villages heard war drums, they knew exactly what was happening. They knew to run and seek safety. That was in the days of old.

Today in the Apex Investments headquarters, the employees knew what to do when they heard the sound of heels clicking as someone stormed down the hallway.

It wasn’t a common sound as it didn’t happen often but it was recognizable enough for them to know what was going on and what to do about it.

Jasmine Voss was angry and they needed to find a hiding place. Somewhere out of her sight. Before, she was the princess. Now, she was the crown princess.

As for Jasmine, she stormed down the empty corridors of the building, going straight to the place where she would receive answers.

She didn’t even bother to knock when she reached Mr. Martin’s office. Instead, she pushed the door open, causing the senior executive to look up from his desk with a start.

"Jasmine." Mr. Martin greeted her with a calm tone even though he could already see the anger in her face. Even though his face was calm, he raised a brow slightly in surprise at seeing her here. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Cut the pleasantries, Martin." Jasmine snapped, striding into the room and slamming the door shut behind her. "Why is my mother looking into the NovaGen acquisition?"

"Oh." Martin sighed, leaning back in his chair and folding his hands over his desk. He looked around his office, using it to ground himself for the coming rant.

His office was immaculately organized, from the neatly arranged files to the small potted plant by the window. But he knew that even a serene environment like this isn’t enough to calm Jasmine.

This wasn’t his first time dealing with her anger and it probably won’t be the last. Not that he was complaining though. Both Voss siblings were like daughters to him.

"I wasn’t aware you’d be so concerned about a routine review." He said with an even tone of voice. How should he play this?

"Routine?" Jasmine asked incredulously, her voice raised. "Do you think I don’t know what’s happening? This isn’t routine. This is sabotage."

"Sabotage is a strong word, Jasmine." Martin placates her. "Clarisse simply wants to ensure the acquisition aligns with Apex’s long-term goals."

"Spare me the corporate spin." She hissed, stepping closer to his desk. "There are no discrepancies, no issues with NovaGen. Everything about the acquisition is above board. Yet here we are, wasting time and resources on an investigation that’s making me look weak."

Martin gestured for her to take a seat but Jasmine remained standing, her arms crossed tightly across her chest. He sighed as he came to the conclusion that this wasn’t going to be an easy conversation.

"Clarisse has every right to scrutinize major acquisitions." He tried explaining. "You’re aware of how critical transparency is for Apex, especially with all eyes on the company during this transition."

"That’s not the point and you know it!" Jasmine snapped. "This isn’t about transparency or alignment. This is about undermining me. This is about her playing favorites."

"I should’ve known when she accepted her prodigal daughter back in the fold. She’s always favored Jenny and this is no difference. I don’t see any investigation into Jenny’s new division, do I?"

Martin’s expression softened at her words. "I don’t think that’s entirely fair, Jasmine. Your mother expects excellence from both you and Jenny. This isn’t personal."

Jasmine scoffed as she began pacing the length of the room. "Of course, it’s personal. Everything she does is personal."

"Do you know how hard I’ve worked to make this deal happen? NovaGen isn’t just a good acquisition. It’s the perfect move to position Apex as a leader in tech-driven investment strategies."

"And no one’s disputing that." Martin said gently. "But you have to admit that a few details and the timing of this deal raises questions."@@novelbin@@

"What questions? What details?" Jasmine snapped, spinning around to face him. "Are you saying I shouldn’t have acted decisively? That I should’ve waited and let an opportunity like NovaGen slip through our fingers?"

Martin held up his hands in a placating gesture. "No one is saying that, Jasmine. But with the current competition between you and Jenny intensifying, any significant moves you both make are bound to draw scrutiny."

"Scrutiny from my own mother?" Jasmine clenched her jaw, her nails digging into her palms. "Scrutiny that I don’t even need."

"Do you have any idea how this makes me look? To the board, to the executives, to the entire company? Now, everybody is whispering about my competence. It’s like a goddamn circus."

Martin leaned forward, his tone calm. "Jasmine, you’re now in a position of immense power and influence. But with that comes the responsibility to face these challenges with poise. If you allow yourself to be rattled-"

"I’m not rattled." She interrupted with a growl. "I’m furious. Furious that my mother feels the need to stick her nose into my business at every turn. Furious that she can’t see that I’m the best choice to lead Apex into the future."

Martin hesitated, choosing his next words carefully. "I think she does see it, Jasmine. Maybe this isn’t about your capabilities but about making sure you’re prepared for the level of scrutiny that comes with leadership."

Jasmine narrowed her eyes at him. "Prepared? I’ve been prepared since the day I stepped into this company. I don’t need her tests, and I don’t need her interference."

"Then prove it." Martin said simply.

Jasmine blinked, taken aback by his directness. "Excuse me?"

"Prove it." He repeated. "Show Clarisse and the board that you can handle this without letting it distract you. Address the investigation head on. Use it as an opportunity to show the world the strength of your decision-making."

He paused before delivering the final blow. "Turn it into a win."

Jasmine stared at him, her mind going through his words.

The logical part of her knew he had a point. If she could frame this as a victory, it could strengthen her position. But the emotional part of her, the part that had spent years fighting for her mother’s approval, raged at the thought of playing along with what she saw as favoritism.

"You make it sound so simple." She muttered, sinking into the chair opposite his desk. For the first time since entering the room, she allowed herself to show even a hint of vulnerability. "Do you have any idea how exhausting this is? To constantly have to prove myself, to constantly have to fight for everything I now call my own?"

Martin’s expression softened and he nodded. "I can’t pretend to know what it’s like, Jasmine. But I do know this. You’re one of the most capable leaders Apex has ever had. If anyone can turn this situation to their advantage, it’s you."

Jasmine took a deep breath, her anger slowly melting away. She exhaled and the anger turned to determination. "Fine. I’ll deal with this investigation. But make no mistake, Martin, if this backfires, it won’t be on me."

Martin smiled faintly. "I wouldn’t expect anything less."

She rose to her feet, smoothing her blazer as she prepared to leave. "And tell my mother this. If she wants a fight, I’ll give her one. But she should remember who taught me to play the game in the first place."

With that, Jasmine turned and strode out of the office.

Martin watched her go, a mixture of admiration and concern on his face.

Jasmine Voss was a young lady capable of doing great things but sometimes, even he wondered if that same relentless drive she had might one day be her undoing.

He hoped not.