chapter 4

Faint morning light spilled across the thick wool carpet, where Jasmine lay sprawled, breath shallow and heavy.

Beside her, the man nestled in the crook of her arm stared with reddened eyes and dazed satisfaction.

Though he hadn't slept a wink, he was buzzing with energy—one hand propping up his head, the other tracing her curves.

She caught his wandering hand and said softly, "Stop messing around. The sun's up—I should be heading back."

Quinton suddenly sat up, frowning in disbelief. "Heading back for what? Don't tell me you'll keep playing house with Ethan?"

Jasmine casually grabbed a shirt and slipped it over her shoulders. Smiling, she asked, "And if not with Ethan, then what—stay with you, Mr. Greystone?"

His jaw clenched. "Don't tell me you did all this just to get revenge on Ethan—just to get off on cheating?"

"What else?" Jasmine arched a brow. "What, you think you're some kind of saint? Sleeping with your friend's wife just for fun—or are you actually planning to marry me?"

She stood up smoothly. "Come on, Quinton. Don't pretend to be some kind of saint."

She turned to leave, dressing as she went. Behind her came his nasal, emotionally thick voice.

"Whatever Ethan gave you, I'll double it. Dump him. Be with me."

Jasmine turned, looking at him with a half-smile, half-smirk.

"Quinton, don't be such a sore loser.

"It was just one night. We both had fun. Don't get sentimental with me.

"What Ethan can give me? You can't."

The heavy wooden door opened, then closed again behind her. Supporting her back with one hand, Jasmine returned to her suite.

The room was empty—Ethan still hadn't come back.

She undressed and headed straight into the bathroom.

When Ethan entered a few minutes later and heard the shower running, he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

"Babe, I'm back," he called toward the bathroom, quickly changing his clothes.

He was already running through possible excuses in his head for being out all night.

He'd planned to hook up once or twice, slip away unnoticed. But then Quinton had brought someone too. Her voice had been intoxicating—soft, seductive, absolutely bewitching.

The sound alone had made Ethan lose control. He'd pulled Winona in for another wild round, completely forgetting the time.

He blinked, suddenly wondering again.

Who had Quinton brought back last night? Judging by the voice, she had to be a stunner.

It was probably someone from the circle since everyone was at the Cloudshade Estate for the wedding. He'd definitely have to ask Quinton later.

As he was still mulling it over, Jasmine emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a robe.

"You're back," she said blandly, the familiar scent of her shower gel wafting into the room.

Ethan rushed over, wrapping his arms around her from behind, breathing in her scent like a man starving for air.

"They finished drinking and went out singing. I must've dozed off in there. Babe, don't be mad, okay?"

Jasmine peeled his hands off her waist, ignoring the explanation.

"Go shower. Your mom messaged—we're expected for dinner tonight."

Since she didn't press the issue, Ethan relaxed and was grateful. He headed into the bathroom.

The wedding festivities were wrapping up, and most guests were preparing to leave the Cloudshade Estate. The hosts, naturally, had arranged a farewell banquet.

Most guests were already seated when Jasmine and Ethan arrived at the private dining room.

Two seats were still free beside Marcus and his wife. Ethan led Jasmine over and sat down with her.

Marcus's wife, a young lady from the prestigious Larks in Solvoria, stood up and hugged Jasmine the moment she saw her.

"Ms. Arkwell, I absolutely loved your gift. I've heard so much about your talent in perfumery, and now that I've experienced it for myself—it's truly astonishing."

Marcus smiled, "My wife said that the scent you gifted her made her feel like she was back home. Thank you, Jasmine."

Jasmine smiled gently. "There's no need to thank me. I'm glad Ms. Lark liked it. If you enjoy any other scents, just have someone let me know. I don't have many skills, but I do like playing around with fragrances."

"You're being too modest!

"Everyone knows the Arkwells built their empire on fragrance.

"It's just a shame LucidDreams disappeared from the market."

Jasmine turned toward the crowd, her demeanor calm but composed.

"I'm grateful for the support you all showed my father. We still have one last crate of LucidDreams at the old manor. If you don't mind, I'll deliver it to your homes tomorrow."

The room burst into applause. Ethan wrapped an arm around Jasmine's waist, claiming her for the world to see.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. The waitstaff began serving dishes. Jasmine took the cue to sit down and let the spotlight return to Marcus and his wife.

She had just taken a sip of juice when a voice piped up from across the table—loud enough to be heard but laced with fake innocence.

"You all still dare to use LucidDreams? Weren't the Arkwells blacklisted over banned ingredients? Or has everyone conveniently forgotten about that?"