Ethan Roscente's slender fingers tapped the table, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Only the weak complain about fate. The strong rewrite the rules. The Yangs and the Lu family? Mere ants. If you're powerful enough, even the elite circles will bow before you."

Jenna Roland clenched the hem of her shirt, her knuckles turning white. "Easy for you to say. For ordinary people, climbing the social ladder is harder than reaching the heavens!"

"Old Man Savigny started with a street stall," Ethan sneered. "Now everyone calls him 'Sir Savigny.' Opportunity favors the prepared."

Jenna jerked her head up, defiance flashing in her eyes. "That's one in a million! If Sylvia hadn't met her benefactor, Yvonne would've destroyed her long ago!"

Their shadows stretched starkly under the light, two worlds colliding.

Ethan stood atop the clouds, born the heir of HM Group. Jenna fought through the mud, scraping together every penny for her brother's medical bills.

"You could've walked away," Ethan narrowed his eyes.

"That day at Studio 54..." Jenna's voice trembled. "When Lucien slapped Sylvia in public, I should've stepped in."

Her nails dug into her palms. "I'm the reason she lost her protector and became Yvonne's target."

Ethan suddenly closed the distance between them, his breath hot. "What if Yvonne turns on you next?"

"Bring it on!" Jenna grabbed a fruit knife and slammed it into the table. "I'll trade my life for hers!"

The blade vibrated with a metallic hum.

Ethan studied her flushed face and suddenly chuckled. "What a stubborn one." He flicked the knife handle. "Who'll take care of your brother if you die?"

"The surgery was successful." Jenna lifted her chin. "He'll—"

"Eat." Ethan shoved a shrimp dumpling into her mouth. "It's getting cold."

An eerie silence fell over the dining table.

While washing dishes, Jenna kicked the sink. "The drain's clogged."

Ethan rolled up his tailored shirt sleeves, revealing toned forearms. Crouching down, he sent a voice message to his assistant: "Sign me up for a crash course in plumbing. Now."

Water droplets splashed onto his Patek Philippe watch.