021

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“Jasmine!” Charlotte screamed, her voice echoing through the room. Her sudden outburst startled Jasmine, who was still in Astor’s arms.

Jasmine flinched, her tiny fingers gripping the fabric of Astor’s shirt as she looked at her mother with wide, confused eyes.

Astor’s brow furrowed as he turned to Charlotte, his expression a mixture of curiosity and irritation. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, his tone clipped.

Charlotte didn’t answer. She hissed under her breath, her gaze darting between Jasmine and Astor, before spinning on her heel and storming out of the room.

“Mommy?” Jasmine called after her, but Charlotte didn’t turn back.

Astor sighed and set Jasmine down...