The night deepened as Tristan Ashcroft saw off the last group of guests. He loosened his tie and stepped into the elevator.

Patrick Klein hurried over, lowering his voice. "Boss, Mr. Roscente and Mr. Valentine are in VIP Room 888. Guess what they ordered?"

Tristan didn't pause his stride. "The new vintage?"

"Exactly! The most expensive one!" Patrick couldn't hide his excitement. "Jenna Roland is truly our lucky charm!"

Tristan halted mid-step, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. He knew better than anyone—that particular wine wasn't even on the recommended list.

"Jenna served them?"

"Yes, it was her again." Patrick nodded eagerly.

After a brief silence, Tristan instructed, "Have the kitchen prepare two signature appetizers for them."

Inside VIP Room 888, Jenna had just finished pouring the wine.

Her phone vibrated. Glancing at the message, she excused herself discreetly.

When she returned, she carried two exquisite small plates.

Gavin Valentine straightened warily. "We didn't order this."

"Compliments of the house." Jenna set the plates down, her gaze briefly skimming over Ethan Roscente.

Once the door closed, Gavin immediately took a bite. "Since when did Tristan become so generous? He was never this hospitable before."

Ethan swirled his glass, the amber liquid catching the light. "Half a million spent, and we get two appetizers in return. Quite the bargain, don't you think?"

"Half a million?!" Gavin nearly leaped from his seat. "Ethan, are you trying to get me killed? My father will skin me alive!"

Ethan lit a cigarette leisurely, exhaling a slow stream of smoke. "The Hudson Yards project..."

Gavin instantly stilled, eyes gleaming.

"Come here once a week. Spend no less than half a million each time." Ethan blew a perfect smoke ring. "And the project is yours."

Gavin's mouth hung open, speechless.

Outside the window, neon lights flickered, casting a ghostly pallor over his face.