At the shareholders’ meeting, not only were the most renowned stakeholders present, but so were several of the city’s most prestigious media outlets. It was a grand scene with flashes of cameras and hungry reporters eager for a story.
Yasmine clung to me, her tone uncertain. “Mom, isn’t all this a bit too much?”
I patted her hand reassuringly. “You are my child, and everything I have belongs to you. If I’m passing it on to you, of course, the more people know about it, the better!”
Hearing this, Yasmine straightened her back proudly, shedding her earlier nervousness.
As for Harlan and Lana, they were nowhere to be seen, but I wasn’t concerned. What was meant to happen would eventually unfold.
Under the spotlight and the attention of the entire room, I signed my name on the transfer agreement that was prepared earlier, relinquishing the position of CEO of the Roberts Group. Since its establishment, the Roberts Group had only ever had two female CEOs—myself, and now, Yasmine. She became the youngest successor in the company’s history.
The reporters swarmed in, vying to interview Yasmine about the secrets to her success.
Under the glowing spotlight and amidst the lively atmosphere, Yasmine’s face radiated with joy. Completely immersed in the attention, she held my hand tightly and expressed her gratitude to me in front of everyone.
For a moment, the crowd was united in admiration. “Who would have thought that beneath Dana Roberts’ iron-fisted leadership lies the heart of a devoted mother, tirelessly paving the way for the next generation!”
Just then, the lights in the room abruptly dimmed.
A single spotlight illuminated two figures who had just arrived: a man in a tuxedo and a woman in a high-slit gown, looking like the perfect golden couple. The audience watched in stunned silence, becoming witnesses to their apparent happiness.
Under the puzzled gazes of the reporters, Lana walked up to Yasmine, affectionately hooking her arm, and turned to me with a mocking smile. “Dana Roberts, the truth is, your child was stillborn. To spare you the shock, Harlan and I gave you our child to raise. Now, it’s time for her to know who her real mother is!”
She produced two documents: a paternity test and a psychiatric report. “Here’s the test proving I’m Yasmine’s biological mother, and this is the psychiatric evaluation from when you were emotionally unstable after childbirth. Harlan and I only gave you our child for so many years to protect you. We did it all for your sake!”
The crowd erupted in shock.
“Who is this woman? How could she be Yasmine Thorne’s biological mother?”
“I know her! She used to be the Thornes’ nanny! My God, was she having an affair with Harlan all along?”
“What a scandal! A nanny and the master of the house betraying Dana Roberts—this is unbelievable!”
Amid the barrage of criticism, Harlan firmly took Lana’s hand, brazenly showcasing their bond. “I’m not an ambitious man,” he declared shamelessly. “All I’ve ever wanted in life is to find my one true love. Unfortunately, I wasted the first half of my life lost and aimless—until I met Lana.
“We are soulmates, and Yasmine is the fruit of our love. I won’t let anyone slander Lana or the mother of my child! Ask yourselves, is your marriage truly happy? I’m just braver than you for choosing to follow my heart!”
