Jenna Roland left Mall of America empty-handed after failing to find a suitable gift. She headed to a renowned jade boutique instead.

After careful selection, she purchased a high-quality emerald bracelet for twenty-eight thousand dollars.

On the drive back to Beverly Hills, Jenna grew increasingly irritated. The condescending saleswoman's smug expression kept replaying in her mind.

She should've slapped that woman right then.

Or reported her to the mall manager.

At the very least, she could've filmed the counter and posted it online.

Jenna bit her lower lip in frustration. Regret was pointless now—today just wasn't her day.

......

At six in the evening, the aroma of dinner filled the air as the front door unlocked.

Ethan Roscente entered, cradling a fresh bouquet of sunflowers.

"More flowers?" Jenna emerged from the kitchen, drying her hands. "Last week's bouquet hasn't even wilted yet."

"These bloomed better." Ethan handed her the flowers and loosened his tie.

Jenna accepted them. "Wash up for dinner. I'll arrange these."

Ethan went straight to the bathroom.

Jenna retrieved the glass vase from the dining table, discarded the old flowers, and meticulously cleaned the container. She filled it with fresh water, trimmed the stems, and arranged the sunflowers.

When she returned to the dining room, Ethan was already seated.

"I'll serve the rice." Jenna set down the vase and headed to the kitchen.

Two bowls of steamed rice later, she took her seat across from Ethan.

Only the clinking of cutlery broke the silence.

After ten quiet minutes, Ethan spoke abruptly. "Did you get Grandma Blanche's birthday gift?"

"I did." Jenna picked at her greens. "She is family, after all."

Ethan set down his chopsticks and disappeared into their bedroom. He returned with a velvet jewelry box.

"Use this." He slid it toward her.

Jenna shook her head. "I already bought something."

"This is non-negotiable." His tone brooked no argument.

Blanche's banquet would be attended by high-profile guests. Letting his wife present an ordinary gift would disgrace the Roscente name.

Only this Burmese emerald bracelet suited such an occasion.

"But I already spent money—" Jenna muttered under her breath.

Ethan's gaze turned icy. "Why didn't you consult me first?"

"It was my own money." Jenna stared at her rice. "Not yours."

Ethan froze.