Trouble in Paradise

The music in the hall persisted relentlessly, but everyone present was frozen in place

Jasmine's face was half swollen, and the other half was as pale as a ghost

Her Ragile body nearly collapsed to the round, but someone quickly hes her eyes were empty and devoid of life

"beard Mr. Hawk dumped her How dare she treat his precious darting like

"Can anyone contact Mr. Hawk? Ms Copper rarely graces us with her presence. We can't let her be bullied!"

Amidst the mocking voices, Jasmine's tear filled eyes never left me. Her olistering tears under the lights made her appear even more pitiful.

Once the Jones family was at its peak in Radiant City, and after marrying into the Hawk family, I was the center of attention wherever I went

Even though our family had fallen on hard times, that didn't mean just anyone could step on me. It I didn't seize this opportunity to establish my authority, their disrespect toward me would only worsen. What a bunch lackeys riding on their master's coattails! I deliberately gave them a stern look, and they immediately fell silent, afraid

to meet my gaze

Some, embarrassed at being cowed by just a look from me, instantly turned to offer help to Jasmine and expressed their interest to be on her side

With that, she became smug and said, "Ms. Jones, you know my background I've always felt insecure around Nick, thinking we were from different worlds.

"But today, I realize there must be a reason he keeps me by his side. He wouldn't like someone as flashy as you, let's just forget about today I won't mention it to him since I don't want to trouble him" Everyone then praised her for being so gracious and understanding.

I smiled. She thought invoking Nicholas would scare me. I once played the gracious role too. I treated Claudia like a little sister for four years

Now, I was awake. I wouldn't be gracious for his sake anymore. Without hesitation, I slapped her again. If he truly cared about her, he wouldn't allow me to humiliate her like this.

My palm stung, but I casually blew on it "You better not tell him any of this!" I said.

Watching Jasmine clutch her face as she ran off, I finally felt some relief from the frustration that had built up after losing business recently.

Yasmine came up from benind and wrapped an arm around my waist, introducing a man to me.

This is Gray Kaiser, the top headhunter at the world-leading recruitment firm, Avandt. His connections in the legal world are beyond what you can imagine.

Gray extended his hand, and I shook it lightly. We exchanged a few pleasantries before getting to the point

"Gray, I have a simple request. I want you to help me poach some lawyers from Jassy Associates."

He raised an eyebrow and asked, 'Ms. Jones, we just met, and you're already putting me in a tough spot? Do you think I don't know who's backing Jassy Associates? 'Td love to be friends with you, but this request might be a little too unrealistic."

It's unrealtic, indeed. Nicholas is offering them salaries that Jay Caldwell & Co. can't currently match. So what I need you to do is...."

I gradually lowered my voice until only the three of us could hear. Gray's eyes lit up as he listened to me.

"Ms. Jones, I didn't expect you to be so bold."

I blinked and smiled at him.

"I'll give you a 30% advance, with a

10% bonus for every successful hire. If you exceed the target, the bonuses will keep accumulating with no cap. So, do you want to take this deal or not?"

en

He shrugged and said, "I'll take it. You've already handled the risk management for me, so why would I say no?"

With that, I knew that today's

business was settled. I gave

Yasmine a look, signaling her to stay

and chat with Gray. Since I wasn't fond of these social occasions, I quietly made my exit.

However, I didn't expect to hear Jasmine crying on the phone in the restroom.

"Nick, can you come pick me up?" she sobbed.

"Get the driver to take you home."

It had been over a month, but I could still recognize Nicholas' cool, distant voice. It was beyond awkward. I

hadn't intended to eavesdrop onnet

their conversation, but if I left the stall now, I'd definitely come face-to-face with

Jasmine.

"Nick, someone I don't like just embarrassed me at the party. Could you come over and back me up?"

"Jasmine, I don't want to repeat myself."

"Nick, everyone thinks we're together now. My reputation is your reputation, isn't it?"This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

I rolled my eyes. Hearing them go on made me feel sick. I couldn't help but

agine myself mimicking her voice, saying, "My reputation is your putation, isn't it?"

"Who's there? Who's in there?"

Crap. I instinctively covered my mouth. I hadn't realized I'd spoken out loud. Left with no choice, I pushed open the door and waved at her, speaking in a mockingly high pitched voice.

"I wonder who it was who just said, 'Let's forget about today. I won't tell Nick

She screamed hysterically and shouted my name, 'Ariana Jones!"

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone before Nicholas' low voice came through the speaker and said, "Jasmine, I'm close by. I'll be there soon."