Chapter 35
Nathan watched the door close behind her. He closed his eyes, picturing Yasmine’s face one more time, then sat up are opened his lapten, audien later, a 3D model of her face appeared on the screen, cross–referenced with the local network’s identity data
“Yasmine,” he muttered, staring at the screen. “Not a bad name for someone like her
Suddenly, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the caller ID and answered with a lazy dravel. “Who is this?”
“Mr. Simpson, we need your help investigating someone.”
Nathan tossed out a price. “Send me the details if you’re in.”
There was a brief silence on the other end, and then a grudging, “Deal.”
Nathan hung up, checked the message on his phone, and looked back at the 3D model on his computer screen. He whistled softly. “Well, weil, fasmine
Small world.”
Hayden scanned the room, cocktail in hand, his gaze darting from one face to another. Finally, he spotted Yasmine and made his way over “Where did you run off to?”
Yasmine flexed her wrist and filled her in on what had happened.
“Someone spiked the drinks at my club?” Hayden’s brow furrowed. “I need to get to the bottom of this.”
Yasmine took the cocktail from her, watching as Hayden hurried off. This party was turning into a whirlwind. They’d been here for ages, and she still hadn’t found a moment to catch her breath.
Sliding back into the booth, Yasmine heard Ashley’s familiar voice behind her.
“Charlotte, I swear I don’t know what’s going on!”
“Why the hell would a brand sponsor me with moissanite? My engagement party’s turned into a national joke. You think I’m happy about this?”
“You’re my agent. You’re supposed to help me deal with these issues, not treat me like those online haters! If this keeps up, we might as well just part ways. You can find someone else to manage.”
Yasmine glanced back to see Ashley slam her phone shut, her face as cold as ice. Ashley sat there, arms crossed, her cheeks flushed with anger,
Yasmine clicked her tongue and looked away. Ashley was clearly furious. But somehow it made Yasmine’s lips twitch into a happy smile. This was getting interesting.
“Bartender? Get me a whiskey!” Ashley’s voice cut through the noise again.
Yasmine went back to scrolling through her phone, waiting for Hayden. But then, out of nowhere, came the accusation, “Yasmine, did you boost those trending topics?”
Yasmine looked up to see Ashley, who was fuming with rage. She thought, ‘Oh, come on! How has she even noticed me in this dim bar? And with my back turned?‘
4
ven bother to respond.
Anyway, Yasmine had to admit Ashley really had a vivid imagination. She flicked a strand of hair behind her ear and
“Yasmine, I’m back-” Hayden’s words cut short as he saw Ashley. “Move it,” he snapped, shouldering past Ashley. Ashley stumbled, nearly losing her balance. She looked up and recognized him—the guy who’d whisked Yasmine away in that Maybach last time, the one who’d been all over her at the Tieline Design event.
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Chapter 35
“Who the hell are you?” Ashley snapped.
Hayden just tilted his head back a little. “None of your business,” he said, his tone dismissiva.
Yasmine, sitting back in the booth, gave a subtle thumbs–up. Classic Hayden straight to the point.
Si&
“Do you even know who I am?” Ashley’s face flushed. She was about to mention Sebastian, to remind everyone of her future status as Mrs. Zimmerman
But Hayden let out a cold laugh. “Do you know who I am? You’re on my turf, sweetheart.”