Chapter 85 New Beginnings

• I could feel the shift in the air. It was like stepping into a whole new life-one that, for the very first time, I was in control of. My venture had picked up steam faster than I could have imagined, drawing attention from all the right people. Quite literally, every day felt like one step closer to the independence I'd been craving for so long. But with success came eyes on me-some friendly, some curious, and others. interested in ways I hadn't quite expected.
• "So, Jasmine Hart," his voice cut through the hum of the crowded room, smooth and confident. I turned around to face him-a stranger yet felt the surge of something akin to familiarity in his presence. His eyes raked over me in a way that sent a small shiver down my spine-the good kind.
• "Do I know you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow, coy.