CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT – STEALING THE SHOW

As the roar of the crowd gradually subsided, Jasmine felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Claire grinning at her, eyes sparkling with a mixture of mirth and pride. "Quite the show you put on," Claire quipped, giving Jasmine's outrageous attire an appraising once-over. "Though I have to say, that dress is...certainly a choice." Jasmine let out a peal of giddy laughter, the high of her triumph still coursing through her veins. "You're just jealous you didn't get to be the center of attention for once." Claire arched an eyebrow, her lips quirking in a wry smile. "Oh, I think I can survive having the spotlight stolen, just this once." As they made their way off the runway, weaving through the bustling backstage area, Claire looped her arm through Jasmine's, drawing her close. "So, spill," she urged, her eyes alight with curiosity. "What on earth happened out there? One minute you were prancing down the catwalk like a demented showgirl, the next it was full-blown runway Armag