Chapter 5 OUR ALLIANCE

Edmund wondered how his girlfriend Jasmine had gotten to know about Sally. He had to check how loyal the people around him were.

"Edmund, we need to talk, now," Jasmine's voice was chilly.

"Sally, you can go to your office," Edmund directed.

Sally stood up and exited the office.

Jasmine ran her hand through her blonde hair. " I cannot believe it, Edmund. Why will you protect that woman?"

" I do not know what you are talking about. She is an employee, and I just allowed her to defend herself," Edmund replied.

"You allowed a new employee who would have stayed with other employees like herself, to stay in a lavish office opposite yours? Explain that Edmund?" Jasmine rose to her feet and almost yelled.

"Chill, Jasmine. You are getting emotional." He rose to his feet. "Jasmine, who in this company is giving you all this insider information?"

"That is not important. Answer my question right now!" Jasmine yelled.

"You want to know, fine. I never wanted to employ Sally. I never wanted to give her that office. But, my grandmother intervened and put her there." Edmund blurted as he rose to his feet.

"Grandma Elizabeth? Why would she do such a thing?

***

Jasmine walked into her parents' lavish mansion, her eyes filled with tears. Her mother sat on the couch. She ran to her mother, they were both blondes. Jasmine hugged her, her eyes filled with tears.

Her mother Helena asked, "What is wrong, dear? You do not look so good."

"Mother, Edmund has his eyes on another woman. Can you believe it, mom? And guess what? His grandmother, Elizabeth, seems to be in support of it," Jasmine said.

"Now, dear, clean your eyes. You can tell Mommy everything. Mommy will definitely help you fix it. You believe Mommy, right?" Helena persuaded.

Jasmine wiped her eyes and did exactly as her mother said.

***

Two days later, Elizabeth sat in the restaurant waiting. Helena strolled in, looking elegant.

"You invite me for lunch, and then you come in late. Do you not have any respect for your elders?" Elizabeth said.

Helena acted like she had not heard Elizabeth. She took her seat and sighed." Traffic was hectic. So how have you been doing, Elizabeth?"

"Look at me, Helena. I look way younger than my age. I am always beautiful," Elizabeth replied stiffly. It was clear she just wanted this meeting to end as soon as possible.

"You still look... youthful, I must agree. I will go straight to the point, Elizabeth. You may still feel your skin glows like a beauty queen, but let me tell you about my daughter; she is not fine. She feels terrible after knowing what you have done against her interests," Helena said.

Elizabeth gave a half smile. "If only you would explain further, I would like to know where this misunderstanding comes from."

"When my daughter got the information that your grandson Edmund had begun frolicking with an employee in his company, and had put her in a lavish office far beyond her position, she got suspicious. She decided to investigate. And before her eyes, she witnessed Edmund favoring the girl. She confronted Edmund and asked for an explanation, of course. And your beloved grandson declared that you were the one that had employed that lady. And not just that. You were the one who put her in that prestigious office far above her station. That is heartbreaking. Can you please explain what is happening? I believe our families have an agreement. For our continuous prosperity, our heirs are to be married. This marriage will not only increase our prosperity but will come with lots of rewards and benefits. If you know Elizabeth, that your family still wants to secure this alliance, I will advise that you tread with caution, and not try to play any funny games."

Elizabeth took a sip of the fruit juice in front of her, then she spoke, "Jasmine, oh Jasmine, how did your dear Jasmine get information of what happened inside my company? Do you have a mole in my company that supplies you with my family's business information? You know, I have long been suspecting this. But now, I think I am going to have a proper investigation conducted. I am going to get every disloyal mole removed. Then, you will have no way of getting such information. It will give our families less trouble. Do you not think so?"

Helena swallowed. She was not expecting such a question.

Elizabeth laughed. "Before I do something, I think very well. I like to count the cost. You cannot just walk in here and threaten me like you own the whole world. I am Elizabeth Baxter. I have sailed innumerable storms and surmounted numerous challenges. You are too young to threaten me. Always remember that. Always remember who I am."

Helena was a bit shaken, but she tried to hide her fear. "Our families have an agreement. You must honor that."

"And if I decide not to?" Elizabeth asked.

"Prepare to lose all the benefits you can ever get from the Rogers family. You know how privileged and connected we are. If we ever were to look for another partner, over a hundred will line up at our doorsteps seeking a collaboration," Helena raised her cheek.

Elizabeth began to laugh. Helena was confused.

"What are you laughing about?" Helena asked.

"How are you so sure the person I have placed near Edmund cannot give me more than you and your family can?"

"What do you mean?" Helena asked.