Jenna Roland learned from Patrick Klein that Tristan Ashcroft was making a call in VIP Room 888.

She hurried to the room and pushed open the door, confirming Tristan stood by the window.

He had just ended the call and was about to leave when Jenna entered. He sank back into the leather sofa.

Crossing his long legs casually, he smirked. "Looking for me, sweetheart?"

That endearment only surfaced when they were alone.

Hearing it, Jenna relaxed slightly.

She bit her lip and sat beside him, looping her arm through his. "Boss, someone bullied me..."

Tristan arched a brow.

In his experience, Jenna was hardly the type to tolerate mistreatment.

"Who dared?"

"Sophia Merouin." Jenna's eyes reddened. "I merely mentioned commissions, and she accused me of jealousy. Called me deaf..."

Tristan's eyes narrowed.

He knew both women too well.

Sophia was indeed domineering, but Jenna was no pushover either.

"Did she really start it?" He lit a cigarette, his gaze sharp through the smoke.

Jenna stiffened.

"You don't believe me?"

"I trust my own judgment." He exhaled a smoke ring. "This arrangement benefits us both, Jenna. Don't expect me to fight your battles."

Her face paled instantly.

She'd thought their relationship meant something more.

Tristan stubbed out his cigarette, his expression icy. "Remember this—no one touches Sophia."

Ethan Roscente had given explicit orders.

Under his protection, Sophia was untouchable.

Jenna trembled violently.

"You... you like her?"

Her nails dug into her palms as she stared at Tristan, unblinking.