Olivia's whole body shook violently with pure, burning rage. Hot tears stung her eyes as she watched Vladimir turn his back on her and look straight at Jasmine instead.
She already knew exactly what was coming, but hearing the words out loud still felt like someone twisting a knife deep in her chest over and over again.
Vladimir gazed at Jasmine with a heavy mix of disappointment and genuine compassion. "I won't lie to you," he said, his voice calm but every single word carrying massive weight. "I hated knowing you were mixed up in all of this."
Jasmine lowered her head in deep shame, unable to look him in the eye.
"You disappointed me," he continued with a quiet sigh. "Over the years, I'd come to care about you like my own daughter. That's exactly why your actions cut me so deep."
Jasmine bit down hard on her lower lip, fighting back the flood of emotions.
