Grandma Blanche held Jenna Roland's hand, her gaze tender enough to melt hearts.

"You're always so thoughtful, unlike that rascal Ethan who does nothing but vex me." She patted Jenna's hand lightly. "If he weren't a Roscente, I'd have kicked him out long ago."

Jenna smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Don't upset yourself, Grandma. It's not worth ruining your health."

"Alright, alright, I'll listen to you." Grandma Blanche's eyes narrowed into happy crescents. "What's for lunch today?"

"I've prepared four dishes and a soup." Jenna adjusted her apron as she stood. "Since it's your first time tasting my cooking, I'd love your feedback."

Grandma Blanche suddenly remembered something. "Is Ethan coming home for lunch?"

Jenna shook her head, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes.

She'd called Ethan twice already. No answer.

"You go ahead. I'll check with him." Grandma Blanche waved her off.

Jenna turned toward the kitchen.

The warmth vanished from Grandma Blanche's face the moment Jenna left. She pulled out her phone and dialed Ethan's number.

The first call went straight to voicemail.

"How dare he!" Her eyes flashed with anger.

The second call finally connected.

"Ethan! You hung up on me?" Her voice sharpened.

"Board meeting. Talk later." His tone was ice.

"You—"

The line went dead before she could finish.

Grandma Blanche stomped her foot in frustration.

Thirty minutes later, Ethan called back.

Grandma Blanche leaned against the sofa, her voice arctic. "Why aren't you staying at Beverly Hills? What happened to your promise?"

"She tattled?" Displeasure dripped from his words.

"I'm here right now!" A cold laugh. "Do you think I'm blind?"

Silence stretched on the other end.

"Busy these two days. I'll come tomorrow night." His voice remained flat.

He almost mentioned Jenna working at the club, their rare encounters. But he swallowed the words.

"Do I look like a child to you?" Her voice spiked.

"You've always been easy to placate." Calm. Unmoved.

"Ethan!" She slammed the table and stood. "If I don't see you tomorrow night, I'm moving into HM Group headquarters!"

——

Top-floor office at HM Group.

Ethan reclined in his leather chair, long fingers massaging his temples.

"Understood." Resignation tinged his reply.

In this family, Grandma Blanche ruled supreme. If he disobeyed, Grandpa Harrison would undoubtedly threaten with company shares again.

Irritated, he loosened his tie. His gaze fell on the photo frame on his desk—Grandma Blanche smiling benevolently at the camera.