**Chapter 2: A Glimpse of Vulnerability**

The evening wore on, and Cruella found herself drawn into the whirlwind of music and laughter that filled the ballroom. Yet, her gaze continued to drift toward Jasper, who stood by the refreshments, his eyes scanning the room with a quiet intensity. She felt a thrill of excitement whenever their eyes met, a spark of electricity that seemed to arc between them. As she navigated the crowded room, Cruella was intercepted by a well-meaning acquaintance, who engaged her in a lengthy conversation about the latest fashion trends. While she smiled and laughed, her mind wandered, her thoughts consumed by Jasper. Just as she was starting to feel trapped, a commotion erupted near the dance floor. A guest, clearly intoxicated, stumbled into the center of the room, threatening to disrupt the evening. Without hesitation, Jasper stepped forward, his broad shoulders parting the crowd as he intercepted the stumbling guest. Cruella watched, her heart racing, as Jasper expertly deflected the guest's wild attempts to grab him, his movements swift and economical. It was clear that he had dealt with such situations before, and his confidence was a beacon of calm in the midst of chaos. As the guest was finally escorted away, Cruella felt a surge of admiration for Jasper. She had always known him as a capable and loyal employee, but in that moment, she saw a glimpse of vulnerability, a sense that he was more than just a rugged henchman. She made her way through the crowd, her eyes locked onto Jasper's, and as she reached him, she smiled, her mask glinting in the light. "Well done, Jasper," she said, her voice low and husky. "I didn't know you were a master of crowd control." Jasper's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his face inches from hers. "Just doing my job, ma'am," he said, his voice low and smooth. Cruella felt a flutter in her chest as their faces drew closer, the tension between them palpable. For a moment, they just stood there, the music and laughter of the ballroom fading into the background. As she looked into his eyes, Cruella saw something there that gave her pause. It was a flicker of emotion, a sense of connection that went beyond their employer-employee relationship. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she realized that she was drawn to him, that she wanted to know more about this enigmatic man. The moment was broken as a nearby guest approached, calling Jasper's attention away. Cruella nodded, her composure restored, and turned to rejoin the crowd. But she couldn't shake the feeling that she had glimpsed something special in Jasper, something that she wanted to explore further. As the night wore on, Cruella found herself stealing glances at Jasper, her mind whirling with possibilities. She had always prided herself on her control, her ability to navigate the complex web of London's high society with ease. But Jasper had a way of making her feel like a schoolgirl, all fluttery and unsure. And as she watched him work the room, his eyes scanning the crowd with a quiet intensity, Cruella felt a spark of desire ignite within her. She knew that she had to be careful, that she couldn't let her feelings get the better of her. But as she gazed at Jasper, she couldn't help but wonder what would happen if she let her guard down, if she gave in to the attraction that was growing between them.