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The walk to Clarisse Newton's home office was one that Martin had made countless times before and today wasn't any different.

Well, it was a bit different. This time, it felt like this would be the new way it would be done. They won't have meetings like this at the company anymore when Clarisse finally retires.

He made his way through the quiet mansion with no need for an escort. He was like family here and the staff knew it.

When he finally reached the door to the office, he knocked as was custom between them.

"Come in." Clarisse called out from inside and he pushed the door open to find her seated behind her desk, her posture as perfect as it always was. Sitting untouched beside a stack of neatly organized papers was a cup of tea.

Just as always, she'd been so absorbed in her work that she'd forgotten to have a drink of it. He smiled at that. Some things will never change.

"Martin." She greeted him with a smile. "Punctual as always. Have a seat."

"Thank you, Clarisse." He said before taking a seat in one of the comfortable leather chairs across from her. He glanced at the top of the stack, the document neatly highlighted with different colors.

"You've spoken with Jasmine?" Clarisse asked, finally noticing her cold tea. She picked it up and took a sip, enjoying it cold.

Martin nodded. "I have."

"And how did she react to the investigation?"

He hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "She's… frustrated. She believes the investigation undermines her authority and makes her appear weak to the board and the executives."

Clarisse chuckled in amusement at his words. "That sounds like Jasmine."

"She was particularly concerned about the timing." Martin continued. "She feels this scrutiny is unnecessary and unwarranted, especially since there are no discrepancies in the deal."

Clarisse placed her cup of tea on the table and leaned back in her chair as she considered his words. "And what did you tell her?"

"I assured her that the investigation is routine and intended to ensure transparency." Martin replied. "But she's convinced it's a deliberate attempt to sabotage her."

Clarisse sighed, her gaze drifting to the window at the side of the room. "Jasmine has always had a flair for dramatics. But that doesn't mean she's entirely wrong to feel scrutinized."

Martin leaned forward, curious. He knew she would have a reason for her actions. "If I may, why did you order the investigation? Was it to teach her a lesson?"

Clarisse's lips curved into a small smile. "In a way, yes."

She reached for her cup of tea again, taking a sip before continuing. "Jasmine overpaid for NovaGen. That much is clear. The deal itself isn't disastrous but it's not the flawless victory she believes it to be."

Martin nodded in agreement. "So, you wanted her to learn from the mistake?"

"Precisely." Clarisse nodded. "Jasmine is ambitious, and ambition is a powerful tool. But unchecked ambition can lead to missteps."

"She needs to understand that her actions have consequences, that every move she makes must be unassailable. By investigating the acquisition myself, I've done her a favor."

Martin raised his brows at that. "A favor?"

Clarisse turned to look at him, her gaze intense. "Yes, a favor. If I hadn't ordered the investigation, Jenny would have done something about it."

"And Jenny would have used it as ammunition to weaken Jasmine's position. This way, the matter is contained, and Jasmine learns a valuable lesson without it costing her the board's confidence."

"I see." Martin leaned back, processing her logic. She really was helping her daughter. But that also begs the question. "Does this mean you're supporting Jasmine?"

"Oh, Martin." Clarisse chuckled in amusement at the question. "Oh, Martin. I'm not supporting anyone."

"My daughters are exceptional in their own ways. Jasmine has been the perfect daughter, taking every step I tell her to. This competition allows me to see how she will handle things without me leading her. I want to see if she has the initiative to do things on her own and right now, she's not doing as good as I expected."

"Jenny on the other hand may have been wayward in her youth but she's proven herself capable of handling the demands of leadership. But there is one major flaw…" She trailed off, her expression thoughtful.

"Jenny's only flaw is her reliance on Nico Voss." Martin said, completing what he knew Clarisse was already thinking.

"Exactly." She agreed, steepling her fingers. "Nico is a crutch for her. A strong one, yes, but still a crutch. If Jenny can stand on her own, without his influence, I would seriously consider her as a successor."

Martin nodded, appreciating the fact that Clarisse always spoke her mind with him. After decades of working together, they were like siblings.

"Jenny has made significant strides, though." He said. "The new division she oversees has been well received."

Clarisse leaned forward slightly. "Tell me about it."

"The division is performing exceptionally well." Martin reported. "The partnership with Ward Impact Ventures has generated significant media attention to Apex, everything positive."

"And the ESG fund, Apex Future Focus, is already attracting even more attention even though Jasmine still hasn't approved it."

"Jasmine should know better." Clarisse tsked. "This isn't the thing she should be fighting on. She is wasting her time on a battle already lost. She should move on to the next battle."

"As for Jenny," her expression softened and a hint of pride in her eyes, "she's doing all the right things." She said, almost to herself. "Her progress has been remarkable. If only she could overcome her weakness."

Martin hesitated, then asked the question that had been on his mind since the start of their conversation. "Do you believe either of them is ready to lead Apex into the future?"

Clarisse sighed at the question. "No. Not yet. But they will. Even I wasn't ready when I took the wheel."

She took a sip of her tea.

"They both have the potential. Jasmine has the boldness and vision needed but her ambition blinds her to the consequences of her own decisions. Jenny has the discipline and creativity needed but she lacks the independence required to stand on her own."

"But this isn't just about choosing a successor, Martin. It's about making sure Apex's legacy survives the test of time. And that means pushing both of them to their limits."

"I understand." Martin nodded. It was times like these that reminds him of why he respected this woman. "I'll continue to monitor their progress and keep you informed."

"Good." She said, nodding. "And Jasmine needs to understand that this investigation is an opportunity, not a punishment. If she handles it well, it could strengthen her position."

"I'll make sure she understands." Martin promised.

"Thank you, Martin." Clarisse gave him a smile. "I appreciate your sticking with me throughout all these years."

"It's my pleasure, Clarisse." He gave her a smile of his own.

Clarisse had always made decisions that made him sure that his choice to stay had been the right one and this wasn't any different.

Whoever she chose would be the right person. Of that, he had no doubt.