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★★★★As morning dawned, the entrance to the Colley Theatre was swarmed by a raucous crowd, their voices rising in a cacophony of outrage. They demanded the removal of Jasmine from the film, their accusations bitter and unrelenting, branding her as immoral and unfit for the role. Inside his opulent office, Paul watched the unfolding drama on his flat-screen TV, a sly smile curling at the edges of his lips. He reveled in the spectacle, savoring the sweet anticipation of Jasmine's downfall. Her fall from grace was nearly complete, and he relished the thought of her crawling back to him, desperate for solace and a lifeline.Paul reached for his phone to arrange a meeting with Jasmine, eager to capitalize on her moment of vulnerability. But before he could dial, the office door swung open abruptly. Layla entered, her expression a dark cloud of despair that seemed to cast a shadow over the room.Paul’s eyes widened in surprise as he fumbled for the remote, trying to turn off the TV in a va
★★★★★ "Miss Cindy, I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me," Layla said, stepping into Cindy’s stylishly appointed living room late in the evening. Cindy’s controlled smile barely masked her surprise as she responded, "How could I refuse? When someone from Jasmine's family calls for a meeting, it’s certainly not something I can ignore. I must admit, it’s quite astonishing." She gestured towards the coffee table, where she had set down two freshly brewed cups. "Please, have a seat. I’ve prepared some coffee for us." Layla accepted a cup with a polite nod, though her eyes betrayed her simmering frustration. "Thank you. I have to be honest—I have no desire to involve myself with Jasmine, nor do I consider her a true family member." Cindy raised an eyebrow, her smile maintaining its polite veneer. "I see. And what has brought you to this conclusion? I understand that family dynamics can be complex, but what exactly has prompted your visit?" Layla took a sip of her cof
★★★★★Damon’s patience was wearing thin as he faced the media onslaught over the allegations against Jasmine. The incessant propaganda outside his studio had pushed him to his limits, but he restrained himself from unleashing his fury. He knew he needed to address the situation calmly before heading to the hospital to retrieve his grandfather’s report.As he stood before the press, his voice was cold and measured. “I will entertain your questions, but only if you speak in subdued tones. Don’t expect me to tolerate any pompous nonsense. I’m fully aware of the kind of sensationalism you bring to this discussion.”One of the reporters, sensing the tension, fired back, “You can’t afford to be so dismissive when the city demands answers. The public’s emotional investment in your films is substantial, and they’re looking for a response.”Damon’s eyes narrowed with a steely glare. “This is business, not a soap opera. Emotions don’t dictate business decisions. I will not tolerate slander agai
★★★★★ “Good grace,” Cindy said with a bitter laugh, “you’ve walked straight into the path of hell and dragged us all with you.” Layla’s shoulders slumped further as Cindy’s words pierced through her desperation. “Damon will find out within the hour,” Cindy continued, her voice dripping with contempt. “And when he does, he’ll choke the life out of you with his bare hands.” “Then what should I do?” Layla’s voice trembled, her eyes pleading for a solution. “I thought you might have some ideas or at least be willing to help me.” Cindy’s smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. “We can sell Jasmine out of the country. This way, you’ll be freed from Harley’s demands, and she’ll no longer be a thorn in your side.” Layla’s heart raced with fear. “Sell her out of the country? How am I supposed to manage that?” Cindy’s gaze was cold and calculating. “That’s not your concern. What matters is luring Jasmine to a place where she will be alone. You need to offer her something she
★★★★Jasmine leaned against the wall outside the doctor’s office, her eyes scanning the corridor with a watchful gaze. Inside the room, Payne was methodically searching every drawer and surface, her fingers moving swiftly through piles of papers and office supplies. On the other end of the line, Dante heard Payne’s frustrated voice. "I’ve gone through the drawers and the desk, but there’s no report about your great-grandfather here. Are you absolutely sure the doctor kept the report in this chamber?"Dante’s voice was calm as he replied, "I’m positive. Dad told me himself. The report should be here. Have you checked every possible spot? Maybe he left it somewhere less obvious."Payne's tone took on a thoughtful edge. "Yes, it can be possible. He could have left it somewhere casual."Payne paused, a spark of realization hitting her. "Let me reconsider my approach. I’ll search the less conventional places."Dante’s voice grew more encouraging. "Exactly. Keep looking, and remember. I’ll
★★★★“Mom, Mom...” Payne’s voice cut through the haze of Jasmine’s thoughts, but her mother remained lost in her own world, staring blankly toward the hospital exit. Passersby gave Jasmine curious glances. Payne, noticing the growing concern in their eyes, approached her mother and gently nudged her arm. “Mom, what are you doing standing in the middle of the way? People are having to go around you.”Jasmine blinked, as if waking from a trance, and turned to face her daughter. Her expression was a tight mask of tension. “Are you done in there?” she asked, her voice strained.“Yes, but why do you look so out of place? Did something happen?” Payne inquired, her concern evident in her furrowed brow.Jasmine took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. “I need to go to your grandfather’s house to see him.”Payne’s face registered immediate concern. “Am I going with you?”“No, I’ll drop you off at home first before heading to your grandfather’s place. It’s just that... I have a
★★★★★“Father has been moved to Star Hospital for private care,” Layla announced, her voice deliberately even as she concealed her true emotions. “No one is allowed to visit without our explicit permission.”Jasmine’s eyes flashed with irritation. “Are you suggesting that I’m not included in that restriction?”Layla maintained her composed facade, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Oh, not at all, dear sister. I wouldn’t dream of excluding you. However, before you come here with your pretense of concern, I suggest you consider contributing financially for Father’s care. My mother and I have shouldered the burden of his expenses and arrangements. If you genuinely have any sympathy, it’s time to prove it. Otherwise, save us the pretense of your emotional displays.”Jasmine’s face flushed with a mix of anger and hurt. “So now you question my sincerity? I’ve always cared about Father, even if you think otherwise.”Layla’s gaze was icy, her tone unyielding. “Caring isn’t about words. It’s about
★★★★★ “Paul, why are you bringing this up now? What’s the reason for returning it?” Jasmine’s interest was immediately piqued. Her tired face instantly brightened up. Paul’s voice remained calm but firm. “It’s a matter I believe needs to be settled face-to-face. Let’s arrange a time to meet. When can you make yourself available?” Jasmine paused, recalling the letter her father had mentioned regarding the jewelry he gave to Paul. Her curiosity and concern prompted her to agree. “Alright, I’m heading to the café nearest to my house. I’ll send you the address. Please come quickly.” “Understood,” Paul replied. Jasmine ended the call and quickly sent him the café’s location. The café’s proximity to her home and its public setting eased her mind about safety concerns. Just as she finished, another call came through from Damon. Jasmine hesitated, weighing whether to answer. When he called again, she decided to pick up. “Hello?” she said, attempting to keep her tone neutral. “Where are