THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 33: The Unseen Threat

As Steven navigated the car through the bustling streets of Seoul, Jasmine sat quietly in the back seat, her mind racing. Her daughter, Eva Lily, slept soundly in her arms, oblivious to the chaos surrounding them. The news of Emil's arrest had shaken her to the core, but she was determined to do everything in her power to protect him and the life they had built together.

When they approached the Langston Motors mansion, Jasmine's heart sank at the sight of the media frenzy gathered outside. Cameras flashed as reporters jostled for position, eager for a glimpse of her and the baby. Steven, sensing her unease, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"We'll get through this, Jasmine," he said firmly. "But we need to be careful about how we handle the situation."

Jasmine nodded, trying to steady her nerves. "Steven, what's Emil's condition right now? How's he holding up?"

Steven sighed, his expression troubled. "The company is in disarray without him. Investors are getting nervous, and the board is demanding answers. But Emil's priority has always been your safety and the safety of your daughter. He wouldn't want you to worry about the company right now."

Jasmine looked down at Eva Lily, her resolve hardening. "I can't just sit by and watch everything Emil worked for crumble. I want to help, Steven. I need to take over for him, at least until he's cleared."

Steven's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Jasmine, I never expected you to say that. Are you sure you want to get involved? Langston Motors is a complex business, and this scandal has put everything at risk."

"I've seen Emil's struggles," Jasmine replied, determination in her voice. "He's poured his heart and soul into Langston Motors. I can't let it all go to waste. If there's even a chance I can save the company, I have to try."

Steven hesitated, clearly torn. "Emil would never forgive me if I let you take on this burden. His instructions were clear—keep you and the baby safe, no matter what."

"But keeping us safe means keeping Langston Motors afloat," Jasmine insisted. "I know I'm not qualified, but I can't just stand by and do nothing."

After a long pause, Steven finally relented. "Alright, Jasmine. I'll take you to the office. But you need to be prepared for resistance. The board isn't going to welcome you with open arms."

Jasmine nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She was stepping into uncharted territory, but she had no choice. For Emil, for their daughter, she had to be strong.

Steven walked alongside Jasmine as they approached the grand entrance of Langston Motors' Seoul office. The tension in the air was palpable, and Jasmine could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Eva Lily, still nestled securely in her arms, seemed blissfully unaware of the storm brewing around them.

As they stepped inside the sleek, modern building, Jasmine caught sight of the gathered media outside the gate. Flashes of cameras and the distant hum of reporters' voices reminded her that the world was watching every move she made. Steven placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his expression calm yet focused.

"This is going to be tough, Jasmine," Steven said, his voice low. "The board isn't going to be easy to convince, and with the scandal surrounding Emil, they're on edge. But I'll be there with you every step of the way."

Jasmine nodded, drawing strength from his words. "I know, Steven. I have to do this—for Emil, for our daughter, for everything he's worked so hard to build."

As they entered the conference room, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The board members and investors, all seated around a long table, turned their attention to Jasmine and Steven. The expressions that greeted them ranged from skepticism to outright hostility.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Steven began, addressing the room with a professional tone. "Thank you for coming today. This is Jasmine Park Langston, Emil's wife. She's here to discuss the future of Langston Motors during Emil's absence."

Jasmine took a deep breath and stepped forward. "I understand that this is a difficult time for all of us. But I'm here to do whatever it takes to keep Langston Motors running. Emil has always been dedicated to this company, and I can't let his efforts go to waste."

A stern-looking man with gray hair and sharp eyes, one of the key investors, leaned forward. "Mrs. Langston, with all due respect, you have no experience in this industry. What makes you think you can lead a company of this magnitude, especially during a crisis?"

Jasmine met his gaze, trying to project confidence. "I don't claim to have Emil's expertise, but I do know how much this company means to him. I'm asking for your trust, not just for me, but for Emil and the legacy he's built."

Another board member, a woman in her forties with a calculating expression, chimed in. "This isn't just about loyalty, Mrs. Langston. The stakes are incredibly high, and we need someone who knows how to navigate these waters. What exactly do you plan to do?"

Before Jasmine could respond, the door to the conference room swung open, and all eyes turned toward the newcomer. Ruby West strode in, her presence commanding the room's attention. Jasmine's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Ruby said smoothly, taking a seat at the table. "I apologize for the interruption, but as one of the board members, I felt it was important to be here."

Jasmine stared at Ruby, confusion and shock flooding her mind. "Ruby... what are you doing here?"

Ruby's lips curled into a smug smile. "I've been involved with Langston Motors for quite some time, Jasmine. And I'm sure you remember our history. Emil and I go way back."

Jasmine's pulse quickened, a mix of dread and anger surging through her. "What are you talking about, Ruby?"

Ruby leaned forward, her eyes glinting with malice. "Emil and I were never over, Jasmine. He was forced to marry you because of the baby, but we both know that wasn't what he truly wanted. And now, with Emil out of the picture, it's time for someone who really understands this company to take charge."

Steven's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, his voice firm. "Ruby, this isn't the time for personal vendettas. We're here to discuss the future of Langston Motors."

Ruby shot him a cold glance. "And that's exactly what I'm doing, Steven. I care about this company just as much as anyone in this room. But let's not pretend that Jasmine is qualified to take over. The company needs strong leadership, not someone who's here out of obligation."

Jasmine felt the ground slipping away from her. "You're lying," she whispered, though her voice was tinged with doubt.

Ruby's smile widened. "Am I? Think about it, Jasmine. If you truly care about Emil, you'll stay out of this. I'm the only one who can help him now. You? You're just in the way."

The board members exchanged uneasy glances, clearly uncertain about what to make of the situation. Jasmine's mind raced, struggling to process Ruby's words. Could any of this be true? Was Emil really still involved with Ruby, or was this another one of her manipulative schemes?

Before Jasmine could respond, Ruby's expression hardened, her voice dropping to a cold whisper. "You need to divorce Emil, Jasmine. It's the only way to save him. Leave him to me, and I'll make sure he gets out of jail. But if you stay in the picture, you'll only make things worse for him."

Jasmine's breath caught in her throat. Divorce? The word echoed in her mind, a chilling reminder of how far things had spiraled out of control. As the meeting ended, she walked out of the conference room, her mind in turmoil.

Outside, Steven waited for her, concern etched on his face. "How did it go?"

Jasmine shook her head, feeling a deep sense of dread. "I don't know, Steven. I don't know what to believe anymore."