The night deepened as the clock struck eight.

Jenna Roland had just bid farewell to her last customer. She descended the stairs in her high heels to fetch more wine.

When she spotted the figure by the bar, her entire body froze as if struck by lightning.

Her phone slipped from her fingers, clattering loudly against the marble floor.

Stella Laurent rushed over at the noise. Following Jenna's gaze, she gasped. "Holy shit!"

"Milo?" Her eyes widened. "What are you doing here?"

The teenager's fists clenched, veins bulging. Shock and anguish swirled in his eyes.

That morning, he'd left with nothing but guilt weighing on him—the belief that he'd burdened his sister.

A classmate's call had interrupted his suicidal thoughts.

He'd spent the entire day at his friend's house, desperately convincing himself that text message was fake.

Yet an unshakable unease had driven him to the club for answers.

The sight before him shattered all his illusions.

Milo turned and bolted into the night.

"Milo!" Jenna abandoned her phone, hiking up her dress as she chased after him.

Patrick Klein approached with a frown. "What's going on?"

"That's her brother." Stella stomped her foot in frustration. "All our secrecy for nothing!"

"Her brother?" Patrick's expression darkened.

Stella was already pulling out her phone. "We need to call the boss."

Jenna caught her brother's sleeve at the alley entrance.

"Let me explain." Her voice trembled.

Milo shook her off, his eyes bloodshot. "A convenience store? You lied to me!"

"What text?" Jenna froze.

"Doesn't matter!" His voice cracked. "I'd rather die than have you sell yourself for money!"

Their parents' dying words echoed in his ears.

Jenna raised three fingers in desperation. "I only sell drinks! May lightning strike me if I'm lying!"

"Sis..." Tears splashed onto the pavement.

As he tried to leave again, a figure blocked his path.

Tristan Ashcroft had appeared silently at the alley's mouth.

"Boss." Jenna hung her head in shame.

"It's fine." Tristan studied the boy. "You're Jenna's brother?"

At Milo's stiff nod, he extended a hand. "Tristan Ashcroft. Owner of Studio 54."

Milo hesitated before shaking it.

"Let's talk inside." Tristan stepped aside. "This isn't the place."

Jenna watched her brother's expression nervously.

After a long silence, Milo finally took a step forward.