Jasmine swept out of the mansion’s towering entrance, heart pounding as she spotted Alex waiting by the ornate gates.Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face against his chest.“Just... let me stay like this,” she whispered shakily. “I need it more than I can say.”Alex held her close, voice gentle. “You’re doing better than you think.”Tears pricked at Jasmine’s eyes.“Why, Alex? Why is this happening to us? Why can’t we just laugh like we used to, back when everything was simple? Why does it have to be this vicious fight?”He sighed, resting his chin against her hair. “You know the answer—you have to protect yourself.”Her words trembled with bitterness. “I hate what I’ve turned into, but there’s no other way.”Hours later, the two found themselves by the rolling surf at the beach.Moonlight glittered on dark waves.Alex breathed in the salty air, trying to calm Jasmine’s anxious spirit.Then both their smartwatches buzzed.“A message from Charles,” Alex m

Clara squared her shoulders, staring down the skiny shopkeeper with unwavering confidence.“What’s with that look?” Clara demanded. “Think I can’t afford whatever it is I want? Just name your price.”The shopkeeper raised his hand, spreading five skinny fingers. “If you truly want it, I won’t stop you. But it’ll cost fifty grand.”“Fifty grand?” Florance eyebrows shot up. “Half a million dollars? You must be crazy. What do you think this stuff is—gold?”Florence’s mind spinning at the amount. She had guessed it would be high, but hearing the price out loud made her stomach drop.“The price is fair at half a million,” the shopkeeper said firmly. “Trust me, this is the best deal you’ll get. Quality comes at a cost.”Florence tried a gentler approach. “Is there any way to lower it a little? That’s…steep.”But her plea only seemed to irritate him. “You must be new here. Our store’s called The King of Herbal for a reason. We don’t do haggling. If you want to bargain, go haggle with the Gri

Kelly threw back her head, laughing so hard it practically echoed in the room. “Five million for a piece of rotten root? That’s the best joke I’ve heard all year,” she sneered, her eyes flashing with glee.She had zero sympathy for Clara—she’d been waiting for the perfect moment to see her crash and burn.Clara’s glare could’ve sliced through steel. “Shut your mouth. Before I shut it for you.”“Ooh, scary,” Kelly drawled, raising a brow.“Try it, sweetheart. See if you can get within two steps of me without breaking a bone. Yours, obviously.”Clara’s cheeks turned a furious red, and she looked ready to fling the withered root at Kelly’s face.Florence, sensing things could only get uglier, jumped in.She flashed a desperate smile at Kelly, like a drowning woman begging for a hand. “Miss Kelly Kington, we’re from the Lancaster group—your partner in a few deals, remember?”“Didn’t you say you wanted the Verdantheart Root? We’ll sell it to you for just ten million. A bargain, right?”Flo

The night had been anything but kind to Jasmine.By dawn, her eyes were shadowed with fatigue, and every page she turned in her endless stack of documents felt heavier than the last.She hadn’t slept a wink. Just as she considered closing her eyes for a second, a firm rap on the door snapped her back to reality.“Miss,” the butler called from the hall, his tone measured but urgent. “Master Charles insists on meeting with you.”Without looking up from the paperwork, Jasmine sighed. “Insists, does he? Well, he can stay outside until he collapses, for all I care.”The butler cleared his throat gently. “He’s here on official business, Miss—claims he’s representing some of the stockholders. He also said he won’t leave until you agree to see him.”Jasmine’s lips curled in a wry smile. “Typical Charles. Gets a shred of power and thinks he can barge anywhere.”She finally set her documents aside. “Fine. Let him in. If he causes trouble, I’m sure you’ll handle it.”The butler inclined his head

Jack felt the blood rushing to his head, ready to let loose a storm of expletives.His shoulders were tense, fists clenched by his sides, when Florence stepped between him and the inevitable disaster.“Jack, enough!” she said, her voice cutting through his fury.“Clara’s your aunt. You’re going to show her a bit of respect. She came all the way from Vermont, and this birthday bash could help her make some connections. Let her head out with Charles and Sophia.”Jack’s glare shifted from Florence to Clara. “Oh, I heard it loud and clear, Mom. Helping dear old Auntie Clara rub shoulders with Miss Kane—great plan. Let me know when I can book my slot to kiss her ring.”Clara raised her chin and smirked. “See that? I’ll be on the fast track to the high life once I befriend Miss Kane. Maybe I’ll toss a few crumbs your way too!”That was the match on Jack’s fuse.He slammed his open palm down on the edge of an antique vase, rattling it violently. “Do us all a favor, Clara, and don’t make prom