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    Yasmine was caught off guard, feeling a mix of surprise and curiosity. She noticed. Yo**s''s long


    gaze that she hadn''t even meant to show. "Mr. Russell, what are you doing here?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.


    she hadn''t eys and the yful glint in his eyes. There was a smile in her


    Yonas took a drag from his cigarette and then flicked it away, snuffing it out. "I came to find you," he said.


    "Me?" Yasmine raised an eyebrow, a bit dazed by his unexpected arrival.


    He nodded and handed her an invitation. It was the same one Yoselin had tried to give her before, and Yasmine had turned it down.


    Tm


    "I''m inviting you to the Russell family''s banquet. You owe me a favor, remember? I thought it would be nice to have you as my partner. But if you''re not interested, that''s totally fine." His voice was deep and slightly husky, his dark eyes sparkling with a teasing warmth.


    As Yasmine took the invitation, she felt a warmth rush through her fingers. Deep down, she regretted turning Yoselin down. "When did I start to care so much about what others think? Besides, being invited isn''t something to hide. There is no reason to feel ashamed, she thought. "Miss Yasmine?" Yonas said, bringing her back to reality. She looked up and realized he was much closer. Their noses were almost touching. His eyes were filled with azy warmth that made her heart race. Yasmine felt her cheeks heat up. Luckily, it was evening, so maybe he wouldn''t see her blush. She tightened her grip on the invitation and took a couple of steps back. "Mr. Russell, I''ll definitelye." "Great! I''ll be looking forward to it," Yonas said softly, watching her as she hurried back into the apartment building. His gaze lingered on her retreating form, filled with gentle admiration.


    Once Yonas got home and went upstairs, Yoselin rushed over. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Did you get her to agree?"


    "Yes," Yonas said, smiling.


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    On the day of the bangort, Yasmine pallet oge a stunning gown from her wardrobe. Usually, she wore casual clothes, hardly ever choosing dresses like this. She looked the mirror and thought that a little change wouldn''t hurt. Yasmine had beautiful, sse features-graceful brows and expressive eyes, almost like someone out of a painting


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    33


    delicious pastries and bottles of fine wine everywhere, not to mention a stunning pyramid of champagne flutes at the front.


    Women in morous designer gowns chatted in groups while men in sharp suits huddled together, discussing business. The whole ce was dripping with luxury-only the rich and powerful got invites to a Russell family event.


    As Yasmine and Yonas entered, Yoselin spotted them first. She sprinted over, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yonas! Yasmine!" She camed at them.


    Suddenly, the room went quiet. People turned to stare, their curiosity piqued. It was unusual for Yonas to be seen with any woman, let alone bring one as his partner.


    Helen, who stood nearby, nearly crushed her champagne flute in her grip. She hissed to her mother. "Why is tha


    little vixen here with Mr. Russell?"


    Selena nodded, seething. "What


    What kind of trick has she pulled on Yonas? He''s been so protective of her, and now he even brought her here!",


    Yvette and Xavier noticed Yasmine too, and the way Yasmine leaned into Yonas was hard to miss. Yasmine looked stunning, and Yvette could see that Xavier''s gaze was practically glued to Yasmine. "Xavier, what are you looking at?" Yvette elbowed him gently. "Nothing," he replied quickly, hastily setting down his champagne ss. But whispers spread I through the crowd. Some recognized Yasmine since most rich people in Soucrity knew each other.


    "Isn''t that Xavier''s ex-wife? How did she end up with Mr. Russell?"


    "She really works fast. She divorced Xavier, and now she''s with Yonas."


    "Look at her! It makes sense she caught Mr. Russell''s attention. She''s gorgeous."


    "Of course she''d choose the Russell family. Yasmine really climbed the socialdder. Helen''s face went pale. "Are they saying we''re beneath the Russell family?!"


    Selena was fuming. "That little tr**p just got lucky! I can''t believe Mr. Russell would fall for her!"


    Yvette, standing behind Helen, felt the weight of the mean looks. Those whispers stung.


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    She knew people were telling the truth. The Flynn family wasn''t as good as the Russell family. She nced at Yonas, who looked (quisite, standing confidently beside Yasmine, who sparkled with elegance. Her fists clenched, jealousy boiling inside her. ''If only I were the one at Y**s''s side, soaking up the admiration and envy from everyone around,'' she thought.