CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY NINE – TAKING DOWN THE SABOTEUR

As they approached Victor's room, Jasmine felt a mix of anger and apprehension. She had insisted on coming along, despite the men's objections. This was her studio, her life that had been threatened. She needed to look Victor in the eye and understand why. Tony knocked on the door, his hand resting on the gun concealed beneath his jacket. "Victor, open up. We know you're in there." There was a moment of silence, then the sound of scrambling from within the room. Before Victor could attempt to escape, Tony nodded to one of his men, who swiftly kicked down the door. Victor stood in the center of the room, his face pale and his eyes wide with fear. "Jasmine," he gasped. "I... I can explain." Jasmine stepped forward, her voice cold. "Then start talking, Victor. Why aren't you dead? And why have you been sabotaging my studio?" Victor's shoulders slumped in defeat. "It wasn't personal, Jasmine. I swear. I had no choice." "No choice?" Jasmine's voice rose in anger. "You betrayed us, Vic