Chapter 36
“You run this place?” Ashley’s mind raced. This could be a lead. But she’d heard whispers that the owner of Allure had connections that ran deng–mally deep, even with some powerful political figures.
She studied Hayden, taking in his sharp features and the way he carried himself. He appeared so protective of Yasmine. She’d have to look ints his background later and figure out the reason.
Hayden gave Ashley a rough shove. “Get lost.”
He settled into the booth and casually draped his arm around Yasmine’s shoulders, casting a dismissive look at Ashley.
The more he looked at her, the more he felt like she was just a distraction–every part of her seemed out of place. She was nothing compared to Yasmine at all. And yet, here she was, butting in like she belonged.
His fists clenched. If it weren’t for the rules, he’d have punched her right in the face.
Ashley stumbled again, and seeing Yasmine nestled comfortably under Hayden’s arm, she sneered, “Just divorced and already cozying up with another guy? You really have no shame, do you, Yasmine?”
Yasmine was taken aback and thought, ‘How dare she? If shamelessness has a poster child, it would be her.‘
Ashley, still simmering from earlier, seemed to find an outlet for her anger in Yasmine. “You stole Sebastian from me three years ago,” she hissed. “1 thought you were something special. Turns out you’re just a leech, clinging to men for survival.
“Now that Sebastian’s done with you, you’re already looking for the next rich guy to latch onto?”
She then shot Hayden a mocking look. “I’d get yourself checked out if I were you. You never know what she might be carrying.”
Yasmine held back Hayden, who was about to explode. She sat up a little straighter, her eyes calm. “Are you done?”
Each second of Yasmine’s composure only fueled Ashley’s anger. She snapped, “Not even close!”
This wasn’t the life she’d dreamed of when she arranged those paparazzi leaks. If only Yasmine had just divorced Sebastian cleanly instead of dragging it out! With a little waiting, she’d already be Mrs. Zimmerman–instead of being bossed around even by her agent.
“I know you’re still hung up on Sebastian,” Ashley continued, her voice dripping with irritation, “but face reality! He loves me.”
She went on and on, until Yasmine and Hayden exchanged annoyed glances and rolled their eyes in unison.
The final straw came when Ashley snapped, “Stop playing games, Yasmine! Just sign the divorce papers and walk away with nothing.”
“So you know we’re not divorced yet, but you’re still acting like you’re the one in charge here, flaunting your position as the other woman?” Yasmine asked, her voice cold and precise
“I’m not the other woman!” Ashley shot back, her voice/rising. “You took Sebastian away from me. You’ve had three years of the life that was supposed to
be mine.
“Now it’s time for you to walk away with nothing, just like when you first joined the Zimmerman family.”
“Ugh, this is so disgusting. I feel like I’m gonna puke,” Hayden muttered under his breath, his face twisted in disgust.
Yasmine just laughed, “Who do you think you are, telling me to walk away with nothing? Get Sebastian to come talk to m million if he wants. Just go! I dare you!”
self. I’ll even pay him 30
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