Ethan Roscente stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, cigarette ash crumbling from his fingertips.

His gaze darkened as he stared at the untouched supplementary card in his mobile banking app.

This woman would rather expose herself in that wretched place than spend a single cent of his money.

"Pathetic act," he sneered, grinding the cigarette butt into the crystal ashtray.

Jenna Roland entered the study with a fruit platter, only to meet Ethan's glacial stare. Her hands trembled, nearly dropping the tray.

"Mr. Roscente..."

Ethan suddenly rose, his towering frame looming over her. His long fingers gripped her chin with bruising force.

"Jenna," his voice was dangerously low. "Don't think I don't see through your little game."

Her pupils contracted in confusion.

"Grandmother might fall for your act, but I won't." He released her, wiping his fingers with distaste. "Stay out of my sight tonight."

The door slammed shut. Jenna stood frozen, her fingertips turning icy.

She took a deep breath, forcing composure. Since she couldn't decipher his motives, survival came first.

At the supermarket, Jenna carefully selected ingredients—chicken wings, beef, ribs—all to nourish Milo.

"Here, miss." A little boy offered her candy at checkout.

She smiled, ruffling his hair while bitterness welled up inside. Even strangers showed kindness, yet Ethan regarded her with nothing but hostility.

Night fell. Studio 54 blazed with neon lights.

"Booth 304 ordered red wine." The manager handed Jenna the tray. "Careful—those clients are trouble."

Adjusting her uniform skirt, she pushed open the door.

Hazy smoke filled the private room where four middle-aged men pawed at their escorts. Mr. Li's eyes lit up at her entrance.

"New girl?" His gaze raked over her. "Come drink with us."

Jenna retreated half a step, maintaining professionalism. "Sir, I'm a beverage promoter."

Mr. Chen scoffed. "Playing hard to get?" He slapped a thick wad of cash on the table. "Enough to buy your whole night?"

The escorts giggled suggestively. Jenna's knuckles whitened around the tray.

Then the door burst open.

Ethan stood at the threshold, his gaze sharp as a blade.