CHAPTER FORTY FIVE – RULES OF THE HOUSE

"Well come in, come in! No use standing out there in the hall, we've got plenty to discuss!" Gary bustled back into the apartment without preamble, leaving Jasmine to trail after him in a mild daze. As soon as she stepped over the threshold, she felt her jaw slacken in stunned amazement. This place was...immaculate didn't even begin to cover it. The spacious open floor plan was bathed in warm natural light from the huge picture windows and looked absolutely pristine. Not a single stray item, stain, or scuff marred the pale hardwood floors. The minimalist modern furniture appeared meticulously positioned and the kitchen could have graced the cover of an interior design magazine. "Welcome to our humble abode! Well, humble perhaps isn't quite the right descriptor - this domicile is the platonic ideal of form meets function. Not a single element out of place!" Gary proclaimed proudly, whirling about with a sweeping gesture as if unveiling a grand palace. Jasmine blinked slowly, strugg