the following morning

★★★★★

As soon as the morning arrived, Jasmine prepared breakfast for Payne. It was the usual—eggs, juice, and bread.

"Mom, why do you look so rushed? Do you have a shoot this morning?" Payne asked, noticing her mother's hurried movements and the familiar look of concentration that appeared whenever she was juggling too much at once.

"Not in the morning, sweetheart, but I do have one in the evening. Right now, I'm trying to be quick because I'm going to visit a school. If it impresses me, we'll get you enrolled there. I don't want to waste another year of your education," Jasmine said, spreading avocado on her toast.

Jasmine chose not to reveal the real reason for her rush, knowing her daughter’s inquisitive nature. Mentioning Dante would spark a slew of questions and a likely demand to accompany her.

"Aw! You make it sound like I'm committing a crime," Payne said, flashing a mischievous grin. "Tell me, Mom, are you planning to kick me out before I turn 18 or after?" Payne asked, f