Jenna stretched her stiff limbs and dragged her exhausted body into the bedroom.

...

At noon the next day, Ethan pushed open the dining room door.

Mid-meal, he set down his fork abruptly. "A friend from the Red Cross is coming tomorrow to assess our situation."

Jenna's chopsticks froze mid-air.

"If approved, they may cover your brother's surgery expenses."

Her chopsticks clattered onto the plate. Wide-eyed, she whispered, "Really?"

Ethan dabbed his lips with a napkin. "Just provide accurate details about your family circumstances and his medical condition."

Her fingers trembled with emotion.

First securing Dr. Liam's expertise yesterday, now potential funding for the surgery.

She sprang up and placed the largest chicken leg on Ethan's plate with shaking hands. "Mr. Roscente, thank you so much!"

Her deep bow couldn't hide her glistening eyes and flushed nose.

Ethan frowned at the offering. "I don't eat chicken legs."

"My apologies!" She reached to retrieve it.

"Wait." His hand covered the plate. "Perhaps one bite."

Perched on her chair, Jenna watched intently as he took a tentative taste.

"It's marinated with my special sauce—"

The tender meat melted on his tongue, infused with rich spices.

He took another bite.

Jenna's face lit up.

This marked the first time Ethan had ever taken a second bite of something he supposedly disliked.

Mental note: Braised chicken legs—Ethan's unexpected favorite.