Chapter 2

Jasmine took a rest over the weekend and went to the company on Monday, showing up for work on time. She handled her work as usual and went to inform Martin that he had a meeting at hand. Once she arrived at his office, the door was ajar, and she saw Alessa. Alessa was sitting in Martin's arms, feeding him a cookie that she had already taken a bite of. He was usually very particular about hygiene, but he merely smiled and ate it. He kissed her finger fondly, his voice tender as he spoke. "You said you wanted to try the desserts in this bakery, and I was standing in line for three hours this morning, just to buy it for you. Is it good?" "It tastes great, just as sweet and smooth as before. You used to go somewhere far to buy me food every now and then, but you're a CEO now. Why did you go there yourself? Just get your assistant to do it." Martin rubbed Alessa's ankle, his eyes brimming with love. "If it's about you, I want to handle it personally. It doesn't feel right to let anyone else do it." A hint of tenderness flashed across her face. Wrapping her arms around him, she kissed his lips. He held her back and returned the kiss, utterly losing himself in it. Jasmine's breath caught in her throat when she saw it, and a stinging pain spread from her chest. She clenched her hands tightly, her fingers turning pale. She dug her nails so deep into the heart of her palm that she drew blood. Seconds dragged on, stretching into minutes. And the meeting was about to commence. Once Jasmine composed herself, she knocked on the door. "Mr. Quinlan, the meeting's about to start." Martin was stunned slightly when he heard Jasmine's voice. He was about to get up, but Alessa held him down. "I don't want you to leave. Stay with me a little longer." His heart melted when he saw her acting so sweetly. "Push the meeting back by two hours." Several major group companies collaborated on the project in this meeting. It was a pivotal part of his company's future development. Jasmine was aware of how much it meant for the company. So, she couldn't help but remind him. "The CEOs from Loughlin Group, Gilroy Group, and Sloane Group are already waiting for you in the conference room…" "Gosh. Martin, this assistant of yours is annoying. Just how clueless is she?" Martin's expression turned cold when he heard Alessa grumbling. "I told you, push the meeting back by two hours. Nothing is more important than Alessa, not even my work!" Jasmine felt this tightness in her chest, and she was having trouble breathing. In the end, all she could do was close the door and quietly turn away. Everyone in their social circle knew that Martin was a workaholic. It didn't matter how busy things got in his private life. Even if he had just gone through surgery, he would still finish his work despite his condition. Now, he had just postponed an important meeting, taking a risk to tick off his collaborative partners. This had never happened before. Did Alessa mean this much to him? Jasmine lowered her gloomy gaze, pulled herself together, and walked into the conference room to apologize to the other CEOs. The Quinlan family was prestigious and powerful. Even if they had grievances, they would never talk badly about Martin. So, they lashed out at her instead. Jasmine didn't dare to talk back at all. Lowering her head, she quietly endured as they tore into her. She doggedly withstood the tormenting cries for two hours before Martin finally came in. She dragged her sore, numb legs as she walked out of the conference, only for Alessa to call her over again. "Are you Jasmine? Martin told me the coffee you make is excellent. Everyone in the office seems tired. I want you to make a cup of coffee for all of them. Some ice cubes and no sugar for me." Jasmine was aware that Alessa was throwing her weight around because she had Martin's backing. So, she didn't dare to disobey her orders and quickly went to the break room. It took her two hours to make over 400 cups of coffee and serve them one by one. Alessa had just taken the first sip, but her expression immediately changed. Grabbing the mug, she mercilessly smacked Jasmine with it. The hard ceramic mug split open Jasmine's forehead, leaving a bloody gash that looked terrifying and gruesome. She let out a muffled grunt, clutching her wound as she fell to the floor, her face twisted in pain. Alessa wasn't done taking her frustration out on Jasmine, though. She grabbed one mug after another and ruthlessly smashed it on her. Jasmine's body was covered in blue and purple bruises. The ceramic shards left bloody gashes, and the coffee completely soaked her, mingling with her blood before dribbling to the floor. She was subjected to unimaginable pain, but all she could do was curl up into a ball in an attempt to protect her head and chest. Everyone in the office kept quiet, not daring to break up the two of them. They simply stood far away and watched as Alessa lashed out at Jasmine. Very soon, the commotion drew Martin's attention. He looked at the mess on the floor and the battered and bruised Jasmine, his brow furrowing. "What happened?" Alessa noticed that he was there, and she immediately put on a pitiful expression. "Martin, I asked your assistant to make me a cup of coffee. I'm having my period, and yet she added some ice cubes into my mug. I'm in so much pain now." Martin's expression immediately darkened when he saw her eyes reddening. "You've been working for me for four years. How can you make such a rookie mistake, or did you do it on purpose because you didn't like Alessa?" Jasmine raised her pale, ashen face, intending to explain herself. But Martin didn't even give her a chance to speak. He called another assistant over and barked an order. "Jasmine has violated company regulations. Her salary and quarterly bonus will be forfeited, and I want this incident to be announced publicly to the entire company. She will be subjected to official criticism at the general meeting next week." Then, he took his coat off, draped it over Alessa, and left with her in his arms.