"Grandma Blanche has taken a liking to Jenna." Ethan swirled his whiskey glass, ice cubes clinking. "And since I'm not getting any younger, she's using HM Group's shares and executive authority as leverage."

Gavin nearly choked on his drink.

He never expected Ethan's marriage to Jenna was orchestrated by the old matriarch.

No wonder Ethan married so abruptly. His past relationship with Yvonne Sherwood still lingered in people's memories.

"Do you even like Jenna?" Gavin couldn't help asking.

Ethan's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "What do you think?"

Gavin understood.

How could anyone love a woman they were forced to marry?

"You're really staying married forever?"

"Divorce in a year." Ethan downed his drink in one gulp.

"Divorce?" Gavin's eyes widened. "Have you considered Jenna? A divorced woman's reputation—"

"Feeling sorry for her?" Ethan cut him off coldly.

Gavin shook his head. "I just think she doesn't deserve this."

He didn't understand. If Ethan disliked Jenna, why assign bodyguards to protect her?

That wasn't how one treated a mere pawn.

Ethan's gaze darkened, offering no reply.

"Since Grandma Blanche adores her, why don't you—"

"You're unusually chatty tonight." Ethan's sharp glare silenced him.

Gavin raised his glass awkwardly.

Ethan lit a cigarette. Jenna's face materialized in the swirling smoke.

Annoyed, he stubbed it out and poured another drink.

——

At Studio 54, Jenna had just changed clothes to leave when three drunk men blocked her path.

"Hey sweetheart, have a drink with us?" The leader leered at her. "Money's no object."

Jenna remained expressionless. "I'm off duty."

"Playing hard to get?" The man sneered. "Isn't it your job to drink with customers?"