Yvonne's hand trembled as she clutched her phone.

Her father's icy words still echoed in her ears.

The phrase "sever all ties" stabbed her heart like a knife.

Her nails dug deep into her palms, but she felt no pain.

"Dad, I'm your own daughter!" Her voice shook. "Ethan targeting the Yang family is his doing. Why take it out on me?"

Silence stretched for several seconds.

"If you hadn't provoked Jenna, would Ethan have set his sights on us?" Mr. Yang's tone was unyielding. "The empire Grandpa built is about to crumble because of you! Don't ever show your face to me again!"

The call ended abruptly.

Yvonne stood frozen, her phone clattering to the floor.

The world seemed to spin around her.

Kicked out by the Lu family. Divorce papers to sign tomorrow. Now even her own family had disowned her.

She sank to her knees, hugging her legs tightly.

Tears splashed onto the floor, forming dark puddles.

Her phone rang sharply.

"Big Brother" flashed on the screen.

Yvonne wiped her face roughly and answered.

"Yvonne." Ethan Yang sounded exhausted. "You know the situation. Only you can save the family now."

Her throat tightened. "Me?"

"Go see Jenna." He lowered his voice. "Beg her to make Ethan back off. Once we survive this, Dad will forgive you."

Yvonne bit her lip until it bled.

Seeing Jenna meant facing Sylvia.

The woman who stole her husband.

To grovel before her rival?

But if she refused...

She closed her eyes. "Understood."

After hanging up, she dialed Bridget.

"Get me Jenna's contact details." Her voice sounded eerily calm.

Keyboard clicks came through the line.

Leaning against her car door, Yvonne suddenly laughed.

The sound was laced with self-mockery.

Who would've thought the Yang heiress would one day beg for help.

......

Next day at noon.

Jenna carried a thermal lunchbox toward the orchard.

Zachary and Yves had taken over most duties, but the new guards still needed meals.

As she slid into the driver's seat after the delivery, her phone rang.

Unknown number.

"Hello, this is Jenna."

"Yvonne Valois."

Jenna's fingers stilled.

"What do you want?"

"Can we meet? About Sylvia... and Ethan."

Jenna narrowed her eyes. "Why should I trust you?"

"I swear no harm will come to Sylvia." Yvonne's voice was hoarse. "This meeting is to resolve things."

"Ethan?" Jenna frowned. "What's your connection to him?"

"Face to face." Yvonne sounded sincere. "You choose the location."

After a pause, Jenna replied, "3 p.m. Blue Bottle Coffee in downtown."