Oliver narrowed his eyes, fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "Tristan, you're not joking with us, are you? Someone of Ethan Roscente's status getting involved with Jenna Roland?"

Julian and Zane exchanged skeptical glances.

Tristan exhaled a smoke ring, his smile cryptic through the haze. "Why would I lie? Brian, don't you know Gavin? Just call and verify."

Brian remained motionless, absently tracing the rim of his wine glass.

"If Jenna truly knows Ethan," Brian said suddenly, "haven't you considered leveraging that connection?"

Tristan sighed. "The Hudson Yards tender is coming up. My father's company is bidding, but the competition is brutal. I wanted Jenna to put in a good word..."

"Hudson Yards?" Brian's eyebrow arched. "That's prime real estate. Dozens of firms are fighting for it."

"Exactly." Tristan stubbed out his cigarette. "Without insider connections, it's impossible."

The private room door swung open.

Jenna entered carrying a tray of drinks, followed by two servers.

She expertly uncorked bottles and poured with practiced efficiency.

"So you know Ethan Roscente?" Brian's abrupt question made her hands falter.

Jenna's gaze flickered to Tristan before quickly lowering. "We're acquainted. Nothing more."

Her detached tone when mentioning Ethan drew knowing looks from the men.

"Leave after serving." Tristan dismissed her with a wave.

Jenna nodded and exited—only to freeze in the hallway.

Jason and Heidi stood nearby, sneering at her.

"I knew big brother was lying!" Heidi crowed. "This little bitch really works at a place like this!"

Jason eyed Jenna's uniform with contempt. "Dressed like this? How are you any different from those escort girls? If your parents knew—"

"I'm just a server!" Jenna's grip whitened around the tray.

"A server?" Jason laughed mockingly. "In that outfit?"

Stella emerged from the adjacent room, her face darkening at the insult.

She glanced down at her identical uniform, fury flashing in her eyes.