"Mr. Roscente, I swear I've learned my lesson!" Howard Ho sobbed uncontrollably, his voice trembling. "I'll stay far away from Miss Roland from now on!"

Ethan Roscente looked down at him with icy disdain.

"Did you buy Jenna from Victor Roland?"

Howard froze for a second before nodding frantically like a dog. "Yes! But later I had Victor and his men tied up and beaten!"

The ember of Ethan's cigarette glowed faintly in the dim light.

"Here's your chance at redemption." He exhaled a slow stream of smoke. "Get Victor's orchard transferred to Jenna."

Howard shuddered violently.

"Can you do it?" Ethan's voice was feather-light yet suffocating.

"Yes!" Howard answered without hesitation.

Ethan crushed the cigarette, sparks flying.

"Succeed, and all is forgiven." He turned to leave. "Fail, and you're a dead man."

Howard collapsed to the ground, only daring to breathe after Ethan disappeared from view.

He glared viciously at Xavier Valdemar. "Untie me now, you idiot!"

Xavier clenched his fists, but remembering Howard's brother was the deputy mayor, swallowed his anger.

Once freed, Howard groaned in pain. He pulled out his phone and dialed.

"Brother! Ethan Roscente's men kidnapped me!" he wailed. "Send help immediately!"

His brother, Howard Ho Sr., sounded shocked on the other end.

After hearing the details, Howard Sr. let out a long exhale.

"Do as he says." His voice was grim. "Send your location. I'm dispatching a team now."

......

Seven days later.

Jenna Roland was busy at her street stall when her phone rang.

"Jenna! You scheming bitch!" Victor's voice exploded through the receiver. "Did you send someone to sabotage my orchard?"

Jenna's grip tightened until her knuckles turned white.

"Bad reception at the crematorium?" she sneered. "Got a new number?"

"That orchard is mine!" Victor shrieked hysterically. "You'll never take it!"

Jenna's eyes narrowed.

Something happened to the orchard?

"It belonged to my father first." She enunciated each word. "A thief like you doesn't deserve to call anything 'mine'."

"It's under my name now!" Victor roared. "No matter who you send, I'll die before handing it over!"