CHAPTER THIRTY SIX – FAMILY TIES

She stepped forward imploringly, grasping at Jasmine's hands in desperation. "Please, you have to believe me. Finding you, connecting with you, it's the most important thing that's ever happened to me. You're my sister, my family - the only real family I've ever had!" Jasmine felt her resolve wavering for a fraction of a second at the naked anguish in Elena's expression. There was no way such visceral emotion could be faked...could it? Clenching her jaw, Jasmine pulled her hands free and took a step back, refocusing on the turmoil and accusation burning within her. "So you're admitting to criminal behavior, then? To deceiving and using people?" She shook her head slowly. "How can I trust anything you've told me, Elena? How do I know you're not spinning some longer con, just trying to get at me for money or - or valuables?" At this, Elena's eyes flashed with such searing hurt and outrage that Jasmine momentarily felt like recoiling from the force of it. "Money? You think this is ab