CHAPTER SEVENTEEN – VANDALIZED MASTERPIECE

Beth laid a consoling arm around her shoulders. "Oh honey, we'll get to the bottom of this, I swear. That gorgeous masterpiece is going to get fully restored, even if Clair and I have to stay up around the clock laboring over it for days!" As the shaken curator hurried off to make the arrangements, Claire gently took Jasmine's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Why don't we get you out of here and somewhere private where you can catch your breath? Beth and I will handle talking to the staff about cleaning supplies and getting this..." She waved a hand at the defaced canvas, "This mess stabilized until we can get the full restoration process underway." Still numb from the shock, Jasmine could only nod mutely as Claire looped a supportive arm around her shoulders and guided her away from the devastation, Beth falling into step beside them. A short while later, ensconsed in one of the Bergström's plush administration lounges with a steaming cup of chamomile tea in her trembling ha