CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND THREE – HIRED HANDS

As the day progressed, Jasmine met with several contractors. Mr. Rodriguez turned out to be a promising candidate, with a solid understanding of their vision and the discretion required. However, it was her last meeting of the day that really caught her attention. "Ms. Delacroix?" A tall woman with short, spiky hair approached Jasmine's table at the café. Jasmine stood, extending her hand. "Yes, and you must be Ms. Chen?" The woman nodded, shaking Jasmine's hand firmly. "Please, call me Alex." As they sat down, Alex pulled out a tablet. "I've reviewed your project brief, and I have to say, I'm intrigued. It's not often I get to work on something this... unique." Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "Unique? How so?" Alex grinned. "Well, it's not every day you get to rebuild a restaurant that was destroyed in a family feud, is it? Especially when said family is as well-known as the Cesaros." Jasmine felt her heart rate quicken. "I'm not sure what you mean..." Alex held up a hand. "Relax,