Working odd jobs wasn't a sustainable solution. With her limited education, climbing the social ladder through wages seemed impossible.

Gavin's words pierced Jenna's heart like a thorn. She knew this truth all too well. But right now, Milo's condition took priority.

"Let's focus on the surgery first," Jenna cut him off decisively. "We'll figure out the rest later."

Milo lowered his head, fingers nervously twisting his shirt hem. He hated being a burden yet couldn't help worrying about his sister.

"Sis, the club might be..." He bit his lip. "But the money's good. After my surgery, you could save up to open a small shop?"

Jenna remained silent, simply placing a piece of meat in his bowl. Her mind was already made up—once Milo recovered, she'd reclaim their family orchard.

When the waiter arrived with steaming fried noodles, Jenna suddenly remembered something. She hurried toward the parking lot.

The car window rolled down, revealing Gavin's sharply defined features in the dim light.

"Mr. Valentine, care to join us?"

"Pass." His refusal was curt.

Back at their table, Milo stared blankly at his phone. As Jenna sat down, she heard him murmur, "Why is Mr. Roscente being so kind to us?"

That was a question Jenna wanted answered too.

During the drive back, Gavin casually mentioned the incident with their cousin. Jenna's pulse quickened—she hadn't expected Tristan to share that detail.

"Next time just have someone beat him up," Gavin said as casually as discussing the weather. "Tristan knows how to handle the fallout."

Jenna gave a bitter smile. "Strike one and ten will retaliate. We can't afford to provoke that family."

Through the rearview mirror, she saw Gavin's eyebrow arch. "What's there to fear? Anything solvable with money isn't a real problem."

The remark drew a sudden laugh from Jenna, quickly stifled. Watching neon lights streak past the window, she asked softly, "Why are you helping us?"

"Ethan's friends are my friends." His answer came effortlessly.

Jenna pressed her lips together. She didn't believe a word of it.