Chapter 3

With my support, the procedures for Yasmine's study abroad were processed quickly. The study destination of choice was decided after lengthy discussions between Harlan and Yasmine, and Lana helped pack her belongings—six large suitcases in total.

While waiting for the paperwork to be finalized, I started introducing Yasmine to the company operations. Under my subtle guidance, she quickly gained a firm foothold in the company and even cultivated her own circle of trusted aides.

The day of departure was a bright and sunny one. Harlan held his daughter’s hand, giving her endless reminders like a doting father.

Pushing five of the suitcases by herself, Lana looked at me and said with her head held high, "Dana, I’ve been raising Yasmine since I came to your home. I can’t bear the thought of her being all alone in a foreign country. This time, I’ll accompany her there. Harlan has already paid for everything."

Harlan awkwardly rubbed his hands and looked at me apologetically. "I’m just worried about Yasmine. She’s so used to Lana taking care of her. You don’t mind me making this decision on my own, do you?"

I smiled. "How could I? I’m glad you care so much about Yasmine."

Then, I turned to Lana. "Speaking of which, you’ve handled everything about Yasmine. These next four years will be hard on you."

Lana nodded with a smile. "You flatter me, Dana."

After the two of them boarded the plane, Harlan remained at the airport, teary-eyed as he watched the plane disappear into the sky.

Once Lana and Yasmine were gone, the house suddenly felt much quieter.

At first, Harlan pretended to be a devoted husband, but as time went on, it seemed like he didn’t even want to keep up the act. He’d either find excuses to go fishing with friends or claim he had enrolled in a culinary class to learn how to cook for Yasmine’s return.

I watched his performance, pretending not to notice the frequent notifications on his phone about flights to Australia. Instead, I played along, sighing. "You’ve put so much effort into Yasmine over the years. She won’t disappoint you in the future!"

Harlan straightened up proudly. "Of course! Our Yasmine is bound to be the best!" Although he emphasized the words "our Yasmine," his gaze seemingly passed right through me as if he were looking at someone else.

Four and a half years later, Yasmine returned, glowing with pride, accompanied by Lana. The two of them were dressed in matching mother-daughter outfits with identical hairstyles and even wore custom-made rings—one large, one small.

Harlan rushed forward, taking both of them into a tight embrace, rambling on about how much he had missed them. Passersby couldn’t help but think they were a picture-perfect family of three.

"Sorry, I got too excited and didn’t realize," Harlan explained when questioned about why he had embraced Lana as well.

Yasmine pushed him away with a playful smile and clung to my arm, shaking it. "Mom, I got straight A’s abroad! When can I take over the company? I’ve been dying to help you out!"

Couldn’t wait any longer, could she?

I smiled, holding her hand. "You can take over right now. I’ve already convened a shareholders’ meeting. Let’s go announce the handover!"