Jenna Roland had just settled into the lounge when her phone rang abruptly.

She pulled it out. The screen displayed "Sean Roland."

Her finger hovered over the answer button as she frowned slightly. At this hour, it was almost certainly about that matter.

"Hey, big bro."

"Busy?" Sean's voice came through the receiver.

"Just finished work." She tucked the phone between her ear and shoulder, leisurely twisting open a bottle of water.

Two seconds of silence.

"Uncle just called me. Said Jason and Mom got detained for extortion. Is it true?"

Jenna took a sip of water, letting out a soft chuckle.

"This is the third time they've harassed Milo this month." Her fingers tapped lightly against the bottle. "If you're calling to plead their case, save your breath."

To her surprise, Sean actually laughed.

"Wasn't planning to." His tone was light. "A few days of reflection might do them good."

The water bottle tilted in Jenna's grip.

"That's your mother and brother." She narrowed her eyes. "You're serious?"

"Adults should face consequences for their actions." His voice remained calm. "I've seen how they've treated you all these years."

Jenna suddenly burst into laughter.

"Big bro, you really are nothing like them."

"Wouldn't deserve to be your brother otherwise." He half-joked.

"Come by the club sometime. Drinks on me." She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "And... thanks. For everything."

"Deadline crunch right now. Rain check." The rustle of papers came through the line. "Gotta go."

The call ended with a beep.

Sean set his phone down and stepped into the shower. Hot water streamed over him as steam fogged the mirror.

Ten minutes later, he settled onto the couch with instant noodles. The evening news played on the TV.

His phone vibrated again.

Caller ID: Victor Roland.

"Yeah." Sean answered, slouching against a throw pillow.

"What did Jenna say?" Victor's voice barked through the phone.

"She refused." A slurp of noodles. "Expected."

"Bullshit!" Victor roared. "With your relationship, how could she say no?"

"Uncle." Sean set down his fork. "You know what you did to them."

A heavy thud sounded on the other end.

"That little bitch! Should've let her die with her worthless parents—"

"Victor!" Sean shot to his feet. "That's your brother's child!"

Noodle broth splattered across the coffee table, spreading in an oily stain.