CHAPTER SIXTY THREE – DINNER WITH THE ELITE

At the prestigious Eldridge Gallery in the heart of New York City's art district, the air was thick with the heady scent of success and ambition. Jasmine, her eyes alight with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, found herself amidst a sea of immaculately dressed patrons, all eagerly appraising the latest contemporary masterpieces adorning the stark white walls. "Jasmine, darling!" A familiar voice called out, and she turned to see her dear friend Claire weaving through the crowd, two glasses of champagne in hand. "This is all so incredible! Your work is the talk of the town." Jasmine accepted the proffered flute with a grateful smile, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach. "I can hardly believe it myself," she admitted, her gaze sweeping over the various pieces she had painstakingly created – each one a vibrant tapestry of emotion, woven together with bold strokes and vivid hues. Claire gave her arm an affectionate squeeze. "You deserve every bit of this success, Ja