Despite being foreign, Petra understood everything Sophie said perfectly. Naturally reserved and rarely smiling, she usually wore


    a cool, indifferent expression.


    But when Sophieplimented her, she replied tly, “I’m not into women. And even less into men.”


    “Wait… so you’re asexual?” Sophie blurted out.


    Charlotte gave an awkwardugh and nced at her, lips twitching. “You really say whateveres to mind, huh? Aren’t you


    afraid she’ll beat you up?”


    “She said it first!” Sophie pouted in protest.


    Petra, still expressionless, added, “I only beat people who are a threat to my employer.”


    Jenny chimed in thoughtfully, “Well, to be fair, Petra really is more handsome than most guys.”


    “I agree,” Charlotte said with a smile.


    Petra’s expression didn’t change.


    Sophie sighed. “Ever since I started working at our firm, my standards have gone through the roof. Charlotte’s stunning, then


    there’s Mr. Lucas and Mr. Jasper-both total heartthrobs-and now Petra? No wonder I can’t find a boyfriend.”


    Jennyughed. “It’s fine, Sophie. We’re still young. No rush.”


    “That’s easy for you to say,” Sophie teased, shooting her a look. “Something’s going on with you and Matthew, isn’t it? I’ve seen


    that guy waiting outside to pick you up after work.”


    Jenny’s cheeks turned pink, and she looked down shyly.


    “You’re seeing Matthew?” Charlotte turned to her, surprised. “When did that happen? Why didn’t you tell me?”


    Jenny mumbled, “No, it’s not like that… He’s just been pursuing metely. I haven’t said yes yet.”


    Charlotte smiled knowingly. “By the looks of it, I think you like him too. Saying yes is just a matter of time, right?”


    Jenny blushed and nodded.


    “Oh right-how’s Luna doing these days?” Charlotte asked. “I’ve been swamped with work and haven’t had time to visit.”


    “She’s doing much better,” Jenny replied. “She was discharged a couple of days ago and has already gone back to school.”


    “That’s great to hear,” Charlotte said with relief. “Have you used up the money I gave you? School can get expensive. Can


    Matthew really afford everything on his own?”


    After Luna’s sessful surgery, Charlotte had given the siblings a bank card with half a million dors. She told them she would cover Luna’s education all the way through university, and if Matthew wanted to go back to school, she would support him too.


    At first, the siblings had refused.


    “You’ve already done so much for us, Miss Riley,” Matthew said. “My sister wouldn’t even be alive without your help. We really


    can’t take any more from you.”


    Luna added, “That’s right, Charlotte. I can’t keep epting your money.”


    Charlotte looked at Matthew seriously. “There will be ongoing checkups and treatments, not to mention tuition and living expenses. As the saying goes, ‘if you’re going to help someone, help them all the way.’ I have the ability to support you, so of course I will. This is my way of showing I care. Please ept it. You’re still young. If you keep pushing yourself with part-time jobs day and night, your health will copse eventually. And when that happens, who will take care of your sister? Do you want her to drop out of school and work just to pay your medical bills? That’s not the future either of you deserve.”


    Her words got through to him. Matthew epted the card and said sincerely, “Miss Riley, I’ll never forget your kindness. I’ll pay


    you back someday.”


    Luna chimed in, “And I’ll study hard, get into a good university, and find a great job so I can pay you back too.”


    Charlotte smiled. “Good. I’m counting on both of you to live well.”


    “We will!” they said together.


    The girls walked side by side down the sidewalk, chatting andughing. The evening breeze yed with their hair, theirughter


    ringing through the street.


    The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the bustling crowds. Soft light fell across their shoulders, stretching their


    shadows long behind them.