CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE – PRIVATE AUDIENCE

Marco ignored Alejandro's outstretched hand, instead addressing Jasmine. "Can I speak with you privately for a moment?" Jasmine sighed, sensing the brewing confrontation. "Alejandro, would you excuse us for a minute?" Once Alejandro had left the office, Marco turned to Jasmine, his voice low and angry. "What's going on here, Jasmine? Every time I come by, he's here, hovering around you like a vulture." Jasmine felt her own anger rising. "He's not hovering, Marco. He's helping rebuild the studio that your associate nearly destroyed. Or have you forgotten about that?" Marco's fists clenched at his sides. "I haven't forgotten anything. But I don't trust him, Jasmine. The way he looks at you..." "The way he looks at me?" Jasmine repeated incredulously. "Marco, you're being ridiculous. Alejandro has been nothing but professional." Their argument was interrupted by a commotion outside the office. They stepped out to find Alejandro and one of the studio's security guards in a heated dis