CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE –ILLUMINATING EXPERIENCE

As the crowd dispersed, Jasmine found herself approached by a slender man with a sharp, angular face. "Enjoying the festivities, Miss Dalton?" he purred, his voice oily and condescending. Jasmine mustered her most disinterested air of aloofness. "It's been an... illuminating experience, to say the least." The man's lips curved into a serpentine smile. "I couldn't help but notice your keen eye during the auction. You have exquisite taste." Jasmine arched an eyebrow, feigning casual indifference. "I'll take that as a compliment." "Perhaps we could discuss our mutual appreciation for the finer things over drinks?" the man suggested, his gaze raking over her in a way that made her skin crawl. Before she could respond, Gordon's voice crackled in her ear. "Play along, sweetheart. This weasel might be our way in." Steeling herself, Jasmine offered the man a coy smile. "Why not? I'd love to pick your brain about the art world's best-kept secrets." As she followed him towards the bar, J