3


    72%


    Morgan shook his head, "It''s no use. The annual production from major wineries is limited, already snapped up by suppliers. They''ve signed contracts even before the wine fully leaves the cer. The global wine market is bustling, but truly good wine is always in short supply. Beyond the constraint of vintages, quality is also a major concern."


    "Then what else can we do?" Yasmine asked.


    "There''s one more chance. In two days, the Paragon Hotel will host a wine tasting event where owners of major wineries will gather. This is our opportunity," Morgan said solemnly.


    Yasmine nodded in acknowledgment. She understood that the wine tasting event was not only a big affair in Soucrity but also attracted sommeliers and winery owners from all over the country. Among them were influential figures from the winery industry who were not intimidated by the White family. This was a chance for the Sanchez family; otherwise, they would have to forfeit this segment of the business.


    *****


    It was seven in the evening at the Paragon Hotel. Along the road at the entrance, two rows of bright yellow streetmps lit up each side, illuminating the variety of cars parked by the roadside.


    At the moment, the area in front of the Paragon Hotel was filled with an array of sleek and polished cars that are rare sights. Brands like McLaren, Porsche, and Ferrari were everywhere, seemingly raising the prestige of the wine tasting event with their presence. The vehicles glittered like starlight in front of the Paragon Hotel, with a red carpet stretching from the fountain at the hotel''s entrance to the doors inside, nked byrge floral baskets.


    Luxury cars pulled up at the entrance as Yasmine and Morgan got out. She held onto Morgan''s arm as they walked into the hotel together. Morgan was dressed in a ck formal suit, while Yasmine wore a form-fitting mermaid dress that highlighted her figure, exuding a captivating charm.


    Today, with the boost of her high heels, Yasmine was barely half a head shorter than Morgan. Her off-shoulder white dress looked elegant and sophisticated. A luxurious diamond bracelet graced her fair wrist, but she wore no earrings or ne. Such a regal ensemble was best with simple essories; being overly adorned would appear tacky, like a nouveau riche trying too hard.


    As Yasmine stepped onto the red carpet, she walked with a graceful sway. However, not being ustomed to heels almost caused her to stumble at first. Thankfully, Morgan was there to steady her, guiding her until they reached the hotel where she regained her stride with practiced ease, walking confidently and naturally. She linked arms with Morgan as they entered, and the doorman held open the ss doors for them.


    -


    er young men and women, dressed to the nines, mingled


    The scene inside the ss doors was like a frozen moment in time with sses of wine in hand. The beautiful women, in their most expensive gowns, gathered in small groups, chatting andughing, their polite smiles hiding thoughts of outshining their rivals. Red liquid swirled gracefully in clear wine sses, forming soft, beautiful curves as it clung to the sides, its color exuding a refined and rich depth.


    Men and women on the staircase beamed bright smiles, as if sharing thetest gossip or telling bad jokes.


    As they stepped inside, the whole scene came to life. The sound of sses clinking was clear and pleasant to the ears. Men were sharing tales of their business triumphs, while women chatted about theirtest clothing and handbag purchases. Meanwhile, elegant piano music floated down from the corner of the staircase on the second floor.


    Yasmine walked in, drawing the attention of many eyes. Her arrival seemed to spark a small peak of excitement at the "Oh my God, how does this woman dare show up after everything that''s happened? She really has no shame!"


    party.


    3


    "Exactly! She drove someone to jump off a building, and while everyone is trying to clear things up, who knows what''s really going on behind the scenes!"


    "Mr. Russell and Ms. White are almost engaged. Do you think she came here on purpose to stir


    "Cause trouble? Seriously, with her?"


    up


    trouble?"


    "I heard that the Sanchez family is having a tough timetely and they''re short on wine supplies. Maybe she''s here trying to make something happen."...


    As she bore the curious stares and disdainful looks from the crowd, Morgan stood tall, his icy gaze shielding her from the bulk of their malice, even though Yasmine couldn''t care less about it.


    After exchanging a look with Yasmine, Morgan immediately joined the group of men, while Yasmine found a corner to sit


    1. in.


    Next to each rest area was a little mountain of wine sses, with tablesmonly used for banquets adorned with a variety of snacks, pastries, and red wine. Even the sses were meticulously chosen-the ones next to the pastries were Bordeaux sses filled with dark red wine, exuding the aroma of grapes. Beside the fruit tters were highball sses, each with two ice cubes to keep the drinks chilled.


    This was a feast of red wine, so naturally, there were all kinds of them. This was merely a fraction-the real highlight was yet


    toe.


    Yasmine was idly observing the different shades of red wine in each ss when the ss door opened once more. This time, the new arrivals were Yonas and Irene.


    Their arrival caused a minor stir. It wasn''t as if there were no reporters present, and the presence of these two once again highlighted what absolute power and the center of attention looked like. Numerous camera shes, bypassing the young men and women, focused on them. Irene gently linked her arm with Yonas''s, and the two seemed like a perfect couple.


    Some media reporters had already nned their headlines for tomorrow''s hot topic: "Mr. Russell and Ms. White attend the wine tasting hand in hand..."


    Such high-profile wine tastings hadn''t been seen in Soucrity for years, so it was no surprise that Yonas and Irene would attend. However, when the two entered together, several people instinctively nced at Yasmine, the woman who had once been rumored with Yonas and became his girlfriend.


    Yasmine sat in her usual spot, holding a sparkling ss filled with a sweet and tart wine. She seemed oblivious to the gazes around her. Everyone couldn''t help butpare her to Irene at first nce.


    Irene was wearing a tight-fitting dress today that highlighted her figure, just as striking as Yasmine''s. However, her face didn''t quite match up to Yasmine''s beauty. But Irene was a privileged daughter, and Yonas'' childhood friend, something Yasmine could notpete with.


    A woman approached Yasmine, picking up a wine ss from the table, and clinking it against hers. "Ms. Sanchez, right? I''ve heard a lot about you." Within minutes, two or three other girls gathered around, sitting on either side of Yasmine, with another standing behind her. "What''s there to be curious about?" Yasmine remarked nonchntly.