Jenna's knuckles turned white as she clenched her phone. Her uncle's family had crossed every line of decency, even daring to send threatening texts. This was clearly a warning—they intended to spread exaggerated rumors about her job at the club.

She recalled Milo's naive suggestion to apologize and move back in with them. The thought sent a chill down her spine now. If she'd actually returned, who knew what else they would've done to her.

"I recorded them that night," Jenna said coldly. "If they spread lies, I'll take the recording to the police."

Milo frowned as he stirred the noodles in the pot. "But they didn't succeed. Would the police even care?"

"At least it'll teach them a lesson." Her eyes sharpened. "I won't let them get away with this."

The water boiled, noodles swirling in the pot.

Jenna suddenly pulled five crisp hundred-dollar bills from her wallet and pressed them into Milo's hand.

"Sis?" He stared at the money. "This is too much."

"Buy yourself new clothes." She eyed his faded school uniform. "You're a sophomore now. You can't keep wearing old things."

He tried to refuse. "My uniform is enough—"

"Take it." She forced the money into his palm. "Before, I couldn't provide for you. Now that I can, I want you to have better."

Without waiting for another protest, she turned and left the kitchen.

The moment she sat on the couch, her phone rang. It was Stella, her coworker.

"Cover my shift," Stella said breathlessly. "My boyfriend got into a fight and got arrested. I have to bail him out."

Jenna sighed after hanging up. She'd met Stella's boyfriend before—a freeloader who lived off Stella's income. Last time his father was hospitalized, Stella even paid the medical bills.

"Sis, noodles are ready." Milo carried two bowls into the living room.

In Jenna's bowl, two golden fried eggs rested atop the steaming noodles.