My High School Love

Chapter Two: The untouchables and hidden threat

"Tell me everything," Charlotte smirked, leaning in with anticipation, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Jasmine stretched lazily, settling into her seat with an infuriatingly smug look. "Well…" she drawled, clearly enjoying the suspense.

Charlotte narrowed her eyes. "Let’s have it already!" she half-yelled, practically bouncing in her seat.

Jasmine’s grin widened as she finally spoke. "Damien is the son of the number one industrialist on the continent. His dad put all their chain industries under his name, so… he’s officially the wealthiest man alive around here."

Charlotte’s eyes widened. "Wait—are you saying he’s Mr. Georgia’s son?"

"Yep." Jasmine popped the ‘p’ for emphasis. "And then there's Damran—he's the son of the President and also owns Hensheng—"

Charlotte cut her off with a sharp intake of breath. "The President? Of which country?"

Jasmine smirked, taking a deliberate sip of her cola before answering. "This one. He’s super private. No media, no interviews, barely any public appearances. People say he prefers the shadows."

Charlotte shivered slightly. "That’s… intense. But wait—you said he owns Hensheng? As in the Hensheng? The electronics empire?"

"The one and only." Jasmine nodded, watching Charlotte process it all.

Charlotte ran a hand through her hair, her mind spinning. "Okay, okay—I’m following. Keep going."

"Dylan's dad is the most powerful mafia boss. And Duncan? His father is a ruthless ex-general. Both of them own industries, but their influence runs deeper than just business. Dylan's family controls the underworld. Duncan’s? Military power. His father led the fort in the last war against Exinah."

Charlotte was speechless, her heart pounding as she finally found her voice. "So, let me get this straight. I’m sharing a school with these guys? Industrialists, a mafia heir, a general’s son, and the President’s kid? This is like some underground royalty circle."

Jasmine chuckled. "And now you see why they’re untouchable. So, word of advice? Stay clear of them. They don’t forget a grudge, and they don’t forgive easily." She casually popped the last bite of her apple into her mouth.

Charlotte swallowed hard. "Duly noted."

Jasmine studied her curiously, then leaned forward. "Enough about them. What about you?"

"Me?" Charlotte asked, caught off guard.

"Yeah, you," Jasmine said, smiling slightly.

Charlotte exhaled dramatically. "Alright, fine. I’m Charlotte Blake, the only daughter of Josh and Laura Blake."

Jasmine’s eyes widened. "Laura Blake? Your mother is the Laura Blake?"

Charlotte tilted her head. "Yeah, why?"

Jasmine practically squealed. "Your Highness, I love her brand! I only wear her designs! She is fashion personified! I was already wondering how you looked so effortlessly flawless, but now? Now it all makes sense!"

Charlotte laughed at Jasmine’s enthusiasm. "And what about you?"

Jasmine gave a small shrug. "Well, I’m Jasmine Hashlaw. My dad runs a law firm. And… I lost my mom when I was three."

Charlotte’s playful demeanor softened. "Oh… I’m so sorry, darling. That must have been hard."

Jasmine smiled, brushing it off. "Yeah, but I’m okay. Let’s not turn this into a pity party." She flashed a dazzling smile—the kind that could make any guy weak in the knees.

Jasmine Hashlaw had a way of commanding attention without trying. Golden-blonde hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, framing a heart-shaped face with delicate features. Her bright emerald eyes gleamed with a mix of warmth and knowing amusement. She had an effortless charm—something about her made people want to stay close.

But Jasmine wasn’t just a pretty face. There was sharpness in her wit, quiet confidence in her posture. Whether it was her easy laughter, her ability to say the perfect thing at the perfect time, or the kindness she carried so naturally—she was the kind of friend you didn’t want to lose.

Charlotte tilted her head. "Wait a minute—you’re Hashlaw’s daughter? The Hashlaw?"

---

After School

As they walked toward their respective cars, Charlotte’s curiosity sparked again.

"I'm curious—do the Amazing D’s ever come to the cafeteria?"

Jasmine smirked. "Nope, just once in a blue moon."

"Which grade are they in?"

"They’re 12th graders, like us."

Charlotte frowned. "But they weren’t in class earlier."

"They have their own private classroom."

Charlotte let out an exaggerated sigh before suddenly grinning. "Let’s exchange cards! I need my bestie’s number."

Jasmine pulled a card from her pocket. "Here."

Charlotte exchanged hers but froze the moment her eyes landed on the name. Her breath hitched.

"Wait… no way. You’re the owner of Jas_ñ_myn?!"

Jasmine smirked. "Yep. It was my mom’s. After she passed, it was handed down to me."

Charlotte gasped. "My bestie is a CEO? This just keeps getting better!"

Jasmine chuckled. "You should come by when you're free."

"I will. Even today!"

Jasmine smiled. "I'll be expecting you, darling."

With that, they both got into their cars and headed home.

---

Charlotte’s Home

Charlotte was still buzzing with excitement as she stepped inside. "Hey, Momma!"

"Hey, sweetie. How was your day?" Laura asked, flipping through a magazine.

"A blast," Charlotte replied.

Laura raised a brow. "First time I’ve ever heard that. Spill."

Charlotte plopped onto the couch. "I made a bestie who happens to be a CEO. And not just any CEO—she owns Jas_ñ_myn!"

Laura lowered her magazine. "That’s impossible. Jas_ñ_myn has been around for over thirty years. A high schooler can’t be that old."

Charlotte smirked. "It was her mom’s. When she passed, it became hers."

Laura’s expression softened. "Oh…"

"And guess what? She’s Hashlaw’s daughter."

Laura’s jaw dropped. "The Hashlaw?"

Charlotte nodded smugly.

"Wow…"

"And then there are the Amazing D’s."

Laura smirked. "Rayshford is really that exclusive, huh?"

Charlotte grinned. "You have no idea."

With that, she disappeared into her room, already looking forward to what was coming next.

---

The Warning

After freshening up, Charlotte grabbed her phone and flopped onto her bed, scrolling through her contacts. She smiled at Jasmine’s name and was about to text her when—

Ding!

A message popped up from an unknown number.

Unknown Number: Stay away from Jasmine Hashlaw. This is your only warning.

Charlotte sat up instantly, her heart skipping a beat.

Her fingers hovered over the screen as a cold shiver ran down her spine.

Who the hell was this? And why would someone warn her about Jasmine?

Before she could process it further—

Ding!

Another message appeared.

Unknown Number: Don’t make me repeat myself.

Charlotte’s grip on the phone tightened.

Ding!

This time, it wasn’t a message. It was a picture.

Her breath caught in her throat as she opened it.

A grainy, zoomed-in photo of her and Jasmine—taken earlier that day, right outside school.

Charlotte’s stomach twisted.

Someone was watching them.

And whoever it was…

They wanted her to stay away.

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