CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY THREE – SUBTLE PRESSURES

The next morning, Jasmine arrived early to find Jana already hard at work in the studio. She was bent over a canvas, her brush moving in swift, sure strokes. "Morning," Jasmine called out. "You're here early." Jana looked up, her smile bright. "Inspiration struck, and I couldn't stay away. Have you seen the progress on the Henderson commission? I think we're really onto something special." Jasmine moved closer to examine the canvas. The piece was striking – bold colors and sharp lines creating a sense of barely contained chaos. "It's incredible," she admitted. "The client is going to love it." Jana beamed. "I'm so glad you think so. I've been pushing the team to really stretch themselves on this one." As if on cue, Mia walked into the studio, her shoulders hunched and her eyes downcast. She mumbled a quiet "good morning" before settling at her workstation. Jasmine frowned. "Mia? Is everything alright?" Mia's head snapped up, her eyes wide. "Oh! Yes, of course. Just... didn't sle