"I'm going hiking with Aunt Lin tomorrow, so I won't be joining you for dinner." Grandma Blanche smiled warmly. "But Ethan promised to move in tomorrow evening. If he doesn't show up, you must tell me. I'll break his legs!"

Jenna Roland's lips curved slightly. "Don't worry, Grandma. I'll make sure he does."

"Good girl." Grandma Blanche patted her hand. "I'll head back now."

Jenna stood to see her out, only returning inside after the elevator doors closed.

......

At half past five in the evening, Jenna rode a shared bike to Studio 54.

She had just changed into her uniform when Tristan Ashcroft's assistant came to summon her. The boss wanted to see her.

Pushing open the door to VIP Room 888, Jenna's heartbeat quickened. She clenched the hem of her shirt, her voice tense. "Boss, did I do something wrong?"

Tristan didn't answer. He merely pointed to the leather sofa across from him, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"Sit."

Jenna perched cautiously on the edge, her fingers twisting together unconsciously. "If there's anything I need to improve, please tell me. I'll correct it immediately."

"Who said you did anything wrong?" Tristan suddenly laughed.

Jenna blinked. "Then why did you call me here...?"

Tristan lit a cigar, exhaling a slow smoke ring. "You and Mr. Roscente... you're close?"

The question made Jenna frown slightly. "Why do you ask?"

Tristan lounged against the sofa, crossing his long legs. The tip of his cigar glowed faintly red.

"Answer me first. How well do you know each other?"

"We... met through his grandmother. We're not that close." Understanding dawned on Jenna.

"I see." Disappointment laced Tristan's tone.

Jenna ventured carefully, "Is there something you need, Boss?"

He'd hoped to use Jenna to get closer to Ethan Roscente and secure the Hudson Yards project. Clearly, that plan wouldn't work.

"Never mind. You can go."

Jenna exhaled inwardly. Though curious, she knew better than to pry.

"Understood, Boss."

Just as she reached the door, Tristan called out again.

"Jenna."

She turned to find him wearing an uncharacteristically serious expression.

"If you ever have trouble at the club, come straight to me." He tapped his cigar. "Anyone who messes with you answers to me."

After all, Ethan Roscente had personally warned him to take care of her. He wouldn't dare neglect that.

"Thank you, Boss."

Jenna closed the door softly behind her, releasing a long breath. The hallway lights stretched her shadow long and thin—just like her tangled emotions.