Jenna Roland's phone screen lit up. She quickly unlocked it to reply.
"Tony, don't trouble yourself. We're having dinner out with colleagues."
He responded instantly. "Where?"
"At a street food stall on Fifth Avenue."
The moment she sent the message, her phone vibrated.
Tony Lombardi had transferred $20,000.
Jenna stared at the number on the screen, her fingers trembling slightly.
"Tony, what’s this for?"
A new message popped up immediately. "Be generous when treating colleagues. Use this for dinner. If you ever need money, just ask. I’ve got plenty to spare!"
Warmth spread through her chest.
Just yesterday, she’d considered him dangerous.
Who would’ve thought this man she’d met by chance—who’d spent a fortune on drinks and genuinely treated her like a sister—would now send her such an enormous sum without hesitation?
Apart from Sean and Milo, no one had ever shown her this kind of care.
"Tony, money doesn’t grow on trees. Really, you don’t have to."
She quickly tapped "Refund."
Another notification chimed, accompanied by an angry emoji.
"You’re not treating me like family, huh? Older brothers are supposed to spoil their sisters! If you don’t take it, I’ll be pissed!"
Jenna sighed in resignation.
This man was determined to shower her with money.
"Then… thank you, Tony."
"No need for thanks! Enjoy your meal. We’ll talk later."
Putting her phone away, she rejoined her colleagues, clinking glasses and laughing.
The late-night feast lasted until 4 a.m.
When the bill came—over $2,000—Jenna swiped her card without flinching.
It was the most extravagant meal she’d ever paid for.
But since she’d offered to treat everyone, she wouldn’t complain.
Tristan Ashcroft lit a cigarette. "Where do you live? I’ll drive you."
Out of the corner of her eye, Jenna caught Sophia Merouin’s dark expression.
"No need." She refused firmly.
Tristan didn’t press further, driving off with Sophia.
Nathaniel Vance approached her. "Let me take you. It’s hard to get a cab this late."
Jenna nodded. "Thanks."
She slid into the passenger seat.