CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE – THRILLS AT THE DINNER TABLE

As evening descended, casting the solarium in a warm, amber glow, the women were summoned to the grand dining hall for a lavish meal. Jasmine found herself ushered to a seat at Ethan's right hand, her pulse quickening as she took in the opulent tableau before her. The long, polished table fairly groaned under the weight of gleaming silverware and delicate china, interspersed with towering floral arrangements and glittering crystal decanters. The air was redolent with the rich, mouth-watering aromas of succulent meats and exotic spices, setting Jasmine's senses alight. As the other women filtered in, exchanging air kisses and murmured greetings, Jasmine couldn't help but note the undercurrent of tension that still lingered, a barely-concealed edge lurking beneath the surface pleasantries. Ethan, ever the gracious host, rose to his feet, lifting a crystal flute in a gesture of welcome. "My dear friends, my esteemed guests – welcome to my humble abode. Tonight, we feast and revel in th