The evening traffic crawled slowly through Santos City''s bustling streets as the clock struck 7:40 PM.


    Among the sea of vehicles, Ms. ire''s polished ck Rolls Royce stood out like a jewel, its exterior reflecting the city''s neon lights.


    Inside the luxurious cabin, ssical smooth jazz flowed from the speakers, creating an intimate and rxing atmosphere.


    Don was settled into the plush leather seat on the left side, his shoulder pressed against the window as he watched the city life unfold. People hurried along the sidewalks, their shadows moving under the streetmps.


    Though his expression suggested deep contemtion, his mind was on more practical matters.


    ''I''ve barely made any progress with Ms. ire today,'' he thought, suppressing a sigh.


    The afternoon had been consumed by endless paperwork - trust fund arrangements, tax implications, asset derations, and liability waivers. Legal document after legal document had passed through his hands since she''d picked him up from SHU in the early afternoon. Continue your journey with empire


    **ck** **ck**


    The sound of Ms. ire''s manicured nails against her tablet punctuated the jazz music as she reviewed some final documents. Even during off hours, she was dedicated and passionate to her work.


    Don shifted in his seat, his clothes rustling against the leather. As a former university student, he was no stranger to being pushed around by a busy day, but he''d hoped that his new status would simplify things.


    Instead, it seemed to have addedyers ofplexity he hadn''t anticipated.


    ''At least the day is finally over,'' he thought, watching a street performer juggle fire on the corner of a street.


    "Something on your mind, Mr. Bright?" Ms. ire''s smooth, sophisticated voice suddenly reached his ear.


    Don felt that familiar flutter of intimidation in his chest. Her beauty was undeniable - that much was obvious - but it was her mysterious presence that truly intrigued him.


    The way she carried herself, the careful measure of her words, the calcting gleam in her eyes - it all added up to something alluring… and perhaps dangerous.


    He kept his gaze fixed on the window, using the reflection to catch a glimpse of her crossing her legs, her tailored skirt shifting with the movement.


    His voice came out steady, more confident than he actually felt. "A few things, but nothing immediately concerning."


    Ms. ire gave a subtle nod, the motion barely visible in the dim lighting of the car''s interior. She leaned back slightly, the leather creaking softly beneath her. "Hmm," she intoned thoughtfully, "I see."


    After saying this, the rest of the drive continued in silence, broken only by the soft purr of the Rolls Royce''s engine and the asional whoosh of passing cars.


    Several minutester, traffic began moving again and the luxury vehicle glided smoothly through the streets. The Chanel Hills Community soon came into view, its manicuredwns and elegant homes a wee sight for Don.


    Once the car pulled up to Don''s house, the engine''s gentle hum fade as the driver brought the vehicle to a stop.


    Don felt the urge to release a heavy sigh but held it in, his fingers fidgeting slightly in hisp. Being around Ms. ire always felt like walking on eggshells - one wrong move could shatter their delicate business rtionship beyond repair, unlike the forgiving nature of family bonds.


    Don''s hand moved toward the door handle, wanting to make his speedy exit. "Well, I''ll be going. Thanks for today."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Ms. ire turned her head toward him, her expression remaining stoic as her pearly ck eyes fixed upon his face. She gave a small, precise nod, her perfectly manicured hands still resting on herp. "Mn, do have a lovely night. And you do not need to thank me for doing my job. Regardless, you are most wee... Mr. Bright."


    A subtle wave of anxiousness bubbled up within Don''s chest at her way of addressing him.


    It wasn''t just her pronunciation or tone - it was everythingbined. The way her presence drew attention, her subtle yet enchanting perfume lingering in the air, the soft ssical music ying in the background - it all created an atmosphere that felt strangely intimate, despite being anything but.


    Don managed a small smile, nodding more noticeably than she had. "Well, regardless of it being your job, I''m still thankful for the help... Ms. ire."


    As Don walked toward his house, he waspletely unaware of the lively discussion about to take ce inside.


    At the dining table, Samantha, Amanda, Summer, and Sylvia sat around a spread of steaming food.


    The aroma of perfectly cooked steak filled the air, apanied by the gentle clink of silverware against tes.


    While everyone else seemed to be enjoying their meal, Summer sat slouched in her chair, repeatedly stabbing at her untouched steak with her fork. **tink** **tink** **tink** The repetitive sound drew Samantha''s attention, her maternal instincts kicking in as she watched her daughter''s sullen disy.


    "Is everything alright, sweetie? You''ve barely touched your food," Samantha asked, setting down her own utensils.


    Summer''s frown deepened as she continued poking at her food. "I''m just not hungry."


    Samantha let out a soft sigh and turned toward Sylvia, who was cutting her steak into precise little squares. "Did anything happen at school?"


    "Geez mom, I said it was nothing! Quit being so snoopy," Summer interjected, dropping her fork with a loud nk.


    Before Summer could stop her, Sylvia''s cheerful voice rang out and she answered Samantha nheless, "Nothing happened, Mrs. Bright. I think she''s just annoyed a lot of people were bothering her about Don. She''s practically a celebrity now at school!" She revealed with a light giggle.


    Summer''s head whipped toward her friend, eyes narrowing. "Sylvia, shut up! Whose side are you on?"


    Sylvia responded by holding up her knife and fork like victory gs, showing a mischievous grin. "I''m on the side of whoever feeds me!"


    Summer could only re helplessly at her friend''s betrayal, slumping further into her chair. Meanwhile, Samantha''s brow furrowed with concern, her mind alreadybing through worst-case scenarios.


    "If you''re being harassed, sweetie, we can take you to another school?" Samantha suggested, reaching across the table to touch Summer''s hand.


    Amanda, who had been focused entirely on demolishing her steak, finally looked up.


    She pointed her fork toward Summer, bits of food still clinging to it as she spoke through a mouthful, "Yeah Summer, you could go to one of those really prestigious schools. I don''t think your millionaire big brother will mind!" she teased.


    Summer straightened in her chair, shaking her head vigorously. "No way, I''m happy where I am." She crossed her arms over her chest before adding with a smirk, "Besides, by the time his new girlfriend is done with him, he''ll be broke again."


    The reaction to Summer''sst words was immediate. Samantha''s fork froze halfway to her mouth, her eyes widening. "What girl?"


    Sylvia leaned forward so quickly she nearly knocked over her water ss, her silver hair swishing forward. "Don has a girlfriend?"