"Milo, do you remember how Uncle Victor treated us after Mom and Dad passed away?" Jenna Roland grasped her younger brother's hand, her voice barely above a whisper.
Milo lowered his head, fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his shirt.
"The other relatives are even worse." Jenna gave a bitter smile. "Not kicking us while we're down is the best we can hope for."
She took a deep breath and met his eyes. "We can only rely on ourselves now. Money is everything—especially for your surgery."
Milo's lashes trembled.
"I don't have the education for a high-paying job." Jenna's tone remained steady. "But you... your future is still ahead of you."
His head jerked up, eyes red-rimmed. "Jenna—"
"I'm your sister." She cut him off, firm. "Your health is all that matters to me."
She wiped the tear from his cheek. "Remember—staying alive is the only thing that counts."
Milo suddenly threw himself into her arms, voice breaking. "I'm sorry... I've been so selfish..."
Jenna gently patted his back.
Then he abruptly pulled away and dropped to his knees before Tristan Ashcroft.
"What are you doing?" Tristan scrambled to his feet.
"Mr. Ashcroft." Milo's voice shook. "Please... protect my sister."
Tristan yanked him upright. "A man's pride is worth more than gold!"
"My parents are gone..." Milo whispered, barely audible.
Tristan studied the siblings with conflicted eyes.
"Where are you living now?" he asked.
Jenna answered first. "A rental."
Tristan frowned. "But you're married."
"Complications..." She evaded.
Milo shot her a puzzled glance.
"Call me anytime." Tristan's promise carried weight. "I'll keep an eye on her."
Milo bowed deeply.
After Tristan left, Jenna held out her hand. "Let me see that text."
"My phone died." Milo hesitated. "Why didn't you tell him we're staying at Ethan's?"
"Private matters." Her tone was flat.
He nodded. "Promise me you'll quit the club in two months."
"Deal." No hesitation.
"Does Ethan know you work at Studio 54?"
"He does." A humorless smile twisted her lips. "He even brought clients there."