Stella Laurent studied Jenna Roland's face for a moment before nodding softly.

"I understand."

Jenna stirred her coffee, watching the milk foam swirl. She changed the subject. "If I quit the club, what do you think I should do? Maybe open a small shop?"

Stella's chopsticks froze mid-air.

"The Red Cross approved the donation?" Her voice rose sharply.

A bright smile curved Jenna's lips as she pulled a bank card from her purse, twirling it between her fingers.

"One million. Already deposited."

Jake Varley, who'd been shoveling rice into his mouth, jerked his head up, grains sticking to his lips.

"What?!" Stella's chopsticks clattered onto the table. "One million?"

She'd never even held a hundred thousand in cash before.

Jenna waved the card. "Ninety thousand for the surgery. The remaining ten is startup capital."

Stella frowned. "Why so much?"

"Maybe because my brother and I are tragic enough." Jenna shrugged.

As Stella reached for more food, Jake suddenly leaned in, his face plastered with an ingratiating grin.

"Jenna, your brother's perfectly fine now, right? No rush for surgery. How about lending me twenty grand? Stella can pay you back slowly."

The air turned to ice.

Both women swiveled to stare at him like he'd grown a second head.

Jenna let out a cold laugh, tapping the table with one manicured nail.

"Jake Varley, your shamelessness never fails to amaze me."

Unfazed, he smirked. "Stella makes good money at the club. She'll pay you back fast!"

Stella shot to her feet, grabbing his collar.

She dragged him to the door and shoved him out with enough force to rattle the frame.

"We're done." Each word dripped with venom. "Never show your face here again."

The door slammed shut.

Jake stood dumbfounded in the hallway before pounding on the wood.

"Stella! Open this damn door!"

Inside, Stella returned to the table and resumed eating, her expression unreadable.