CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE – A JOB FOR THE PRIVATE EYE

Jasmine took a deep breath as she approached the gallery, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and trepidation. This was her biggest show yet, a collection that bared her soul on canvas, and she couldn't wait to share it with the world. As she reached for the door handle, a sense of unease washed over her. Something didn't feel right. She stepped inside, and her worst fears were realized. "Oh my God!" she gasped, her hand covering her mouth in shock. The gallery was in complete disarray. Paintings lay scattered across the floor, their frames shattered. Empty spaces on the walls mocked her, the hooks that once held her precious artwork now bare. "What happened here?" she cried out, her voice trembling. The gallery owner, Marcus, rushed over, his face etched with concern. "Jasmine, I'm so sorry. We were robbed last night. Your entire collection was stolen." Jasmine felt the air leave her lungs, as if she had been punched in the gut. Her knees buckled, and Marcus caught her, gu