CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR – THE BILLIONAIRE’S BALL

The gentle melody of a string quartet filled the air, lending an air of elegance to the already rarefied atmosphere. "Jasmine, you made it!" She turned at the sound of the familiar voice, her face breaking into a smile as Claire approached, looking radiant in a one-shouldered crimson gown. "I almost didn't recognize you in that getup," her friend teased, pulling her into a warm embrace. Jasmine laughed, giving Claire's arm an affectionate swat. "You don't clean up too bad yourself," she quipped. "Have you been here long?" Claire shook her head, her eyes alight with wonder as she surveyed their surroundings. "Not too long, but I've already had the most fascinating conversations with some of the attendees. This place is like another world." Jasmine accepted the champagne flute with a murmured thanks, her eyes wide as she took in the splendor that surrounded them. "This is all... rather overwhelming," she confessed to Claire, her voice hushed. Claire offered her an understanding smi