The moment Lucas left the office, Ethan's phone screen lit up.

He glanced at the caller ID—Grandpa Harrison's private number.

"Grandpa." Ethan answered the call.

A hoarse voice came through the line. "Ethan, your grandmother says you refused to give Shawn a position?"

Ethan pulled a cigarette from the pack and lit it, taking a deep drag. "You know what kind of man he is."

Shawn had been convicted of rape and murder.

His cousin was a notorious womanizer, preying on innocent women like a dog in heat.

Ethan would never allow such scum in his company.

"Your uncle can't control him." Grandpa Harrison sighed. "Only you can keep him in line."

It was true. Shawn dared to raise a hand against his own father, but he never crossed Ethan.

"He's still a Roscente." The old man's voice grew solemn. "Will you just stand by and watch him get the death penalty?"

Ethan exhaled a slow stream of smoke.

His grandfather rarely intervened like this.

"Fine." Ethan stubbed out the cigarette. "But if he lays a finger on any female employee, I won't hold back."

"Do as you see fit!"

After hanging up, Ethan pressed the intercom. "Assign Shawn to security."

"Understood." Lucas nodded and left.

......

At seven in the evening, Jenna packed up her stall and rode her e-tricycle back to the apartment complex.

Two familiar figures stood at the entrance.

"What a coincidence." Jenna hopped off the bike.

Wyatt stepped forward. "Finished for the day, Ms. Roland?"

"Business was good." She pointed to the cargo box. "Only three bags left."

Xavier crushed his cigarette underfoot. "Let us help you carry them."

Before Jenna could decline, they had already unloaded the goods with practiced efficiency.

"Last time it was four bags?" Wyatt hefted one.

Jenna's eyes curved into crescents. "Sold one today."