The grand ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental was glittering with the elite of Manhattan's real estate, municipal planning, and architectural circles. Chandeliers cast a warm, refractive glow over silk gowns and tailored tuxedos, while a string quartet played softly in the background.
Jasmine stood near the edge of the room holding a flute of sparkling water, her posture rigid and immaculate in an asymmetric, midnight-blue velvet gown that commanded quiet attention the moment she entered.
Across the room, standing among a cluster of city council members and developers, was Victoria Mendoza. Dressed in a striking crimson pantsuit, Victoria was holding court, her sharp gray eyes sweeping over the crowd with supreme, unbothered confidence.
Jasmine didn’t flinch. She had spent the last for
