Hugo Valence's deep voice came through the phone. "Three o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Blue Bottle Coffee."

Jenna Roland tightened her grip on the phone. "Understood, Mr. Valence."

After hanging up, she ate a quick bowl of plain noodle soup before heading to work.

As she arrived at Studio 54's entrance, a black sedan pulled up smoothly.

Tristan Ashcroft stepped out, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit.

"Boss!" Jenna called out.

Tristan turned, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Perfect timing."

Jenna parked her e-bike, fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her blouse.

"Something wrong?" Tristan raised an eyebrow.

Jenna glanced around. "Can we talk inside?"

Tristan nodded and led the way into the club.

Inside VIP Room 888, Jenna closed the door and took a deep breath.

"Boss, the Red Cross donated a million for my brother's surgery. I was thinking—"

Tristan's brow furrowed. "You're resigning?"

Jenna nodded. "I'll take him for the procedure this summer."

Tristan pulled out a cigarette case and lit one.

Through the haze, his gaze turned sharp.

"Confident about the orchard dispute?"

Jenna pressed her lips together. "If we win it back, I plan to run it myself."

Tristan exhaled a smoke ring. "You'd earn more staying here."

Jenna froze.

She hadn't expected Tristan to object.

Her recent performances had indeed boosted the club's revenue significantly.

"My family doesn't approve of this job..."

Tristan stubbed out his cigarette and met her eyes directly.

"You're valuable. I don't want to let you go."

Jenna's chest tightened.