Jenna had just seen off two customers when her phone rang abruptly.

Grandma Blanche's name flashed on the screen.

She pulled out a chair and answered the call.

"Grandma."

"Jenna dear, when would be a good time for you to move in?"

She pressed her lips together. The old woman was in quite a hurry.

"Tomorrow."

"Perfect." Grandma Blanche's voice softened. "Ethan may seem cold, but he's a good man at heart. If he dares mistreat you, I'll be the first to teach him a lesson."

Jenna smirked silently.

Empty promises.

If trouble arose, who would side with an outsider?

"Grandma, can my brother live with us?"

"Of course!" The response came without hesitation. "You two only have each other. I'd never separate you."

Warmth bloomed in Jenna's chest.

This genuine kindness was why she'd agreed to the marriage.

"But Mr. Roscente—"

"He wouldn't dare object." Grandma Blanche huffed. "Anything else you need to prepare?"

"Nothing."

After hanging up, Jenna turned to Milo organizing the shelves.

"We're moving tomorrow. Get ready."

The teenager didn't look up. "You're the one who needs preparing, sis."

She arched an eyebrow.

"Remember—work hard and keep quiet there." She tapped his shoulder. "Less talking, more doing."

Milo nodded. "Got it."

Dusk settled as they closed the shop.

They grabbed dinner at a nearby diner.

...

A budget motel became their temporary lodging.

After paying for their room, Jenna made sure Milo was settled.

Fresh from a shower, she lay in bed scrolling job listings.

The failing fruit shop couldn't cover Milo's medical bills and tuition.

She needed stable income—fast.

Her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:

"Add WeChat."

Brevity worthy of Ethan himself.

Chuckling, she sent a friend request. No immediate acceptance.

Probably working late.

Job hunting proved frustrating.

Bachelor's degrees and three years' experience were standard requirements.

Her community college diploma and fruit shop management meant slim pickings.

Waitressing wages wouldn't cover expenses.

She posted a job-seeking status. Within minutes, Stella called.

"Looking for work?"

"Yeah." Jenna summarized her situation.

"Come to our club." Stella's voice turned eager. "Great pay."

"Too risky."

"It's 2023—what's there to fear?" Stella laughed. "I made twenty grand last month."

"Twenty thousand?" Jenna bolted upright. "But when I asked to borrow—"

"Went to my boyfriend's dad's hospital bills." A sigh. "Our boss has powerful connections. No one causes trouble here."

Jenna chewed her lip.

High rewards came with higher risks.

She needed money. But valued her life more.