Jason swallowed the rest of his steamed bun, waiting for Grace to finish. Grace searched for the right words. As a lawyer, she meticulously crafted arguments, but this wasn't a negotiation. He either wanted her company or he didn't.

She took a bite of a bun; it tasted bland. Normally, she wouldn't have liked it, but hunger superseded taste.

A dozen justifications for claiming sisterhood filled her head, but she opted for honesty. "Jay, we're alike. We've both been abandoned, scraping by at society's bottom. No one wants us, no one cares, but we can at least keep each other warm. I can care for you, and you can care for me, right?"

"Is that so?" he replied. Her smile faltered. She imagined his assessment of her expression: hope, loneliness, desire, and uncertainty. She'd been guarded for three years; now she felt vulnerable.

"It seems we are the same kind of people," he murmured, his gaze like a hunter's. He nodded. "Sister."

Instantly, her smile shone.

After dinner, they went to the night market. He was amused, but she took the "sister" role seriously. Perhaps his days had become too boring. He could acquire anything, but this game held a certain interest. He indulged her, trailing behind like a lost puppy. The thought of getting her a dog crossed his mind. It wasn't his place to alleviate her loneliness.

His usual clothes were worth more than the entire store's stock, yet he saw her eyes widen as the cashier tallied his purchases. Her resolute nod and payment evoked a feeling he couldn't name—her sacrificing her hard-earned money for him.

"Here," she said. "Put this on."

The cotton jacket was thick but unattractive.

"Warmer?" she asked.

"Yes," he answered indifferently, looking at her. She was shorter. "Actually, you needn't buy these. I'm used to the cold."

"That doesn't mean you should be cold," she said. "I can't buy much, but at least this is warmer."

"Why are you so nice to me?" he asked softly.

"Because I'm your sister." Her accidental touch revealed his freezing hands. She held them, lowered her head, and blew on them, rubbing them. "Your hands are too cold."

His body stiffened. No woman had ever warmed his hands like this. He disliked physical contact, yet he didn't reject hers. Perhaps it suited his game.

Seeing his lack of reaction, she glanced at her calloused hands. "Did I hurt you? My hands are rough…" She quickly let go.

He frowned. "No, but your hands were cold too. Sister, warm your hands on mine longer?" He offered his hands.

Stunned, she took them. Hers were much smaller. She breathed warm air on his hands, her nose reddening. He found her adorable.

Two days later, Grace received a call from Evelyn. "Grace, Father's throwing away the album today. I convinced him to let me give it to you. Can you come?"

Grace was shocked. It was the album with photos of her and her mother.

"If you don't come, I might lose it," Evelyn said gently, giving the address and ending the call.

Grace stared at her phone. Evelyn wouldn't do this without a reason. She was plotting something. But the album held precious memories.

"Sis?" Jason's voice startled her.

She took a deep breath. "Jay, I need to go out. Get to bed." She hurried out, unaware of his thoughtful gaze.

The address was a country club. In the private room, Evelyn and an overweight, middle-aged man, a Mr. Curtis, waited.

"Evelyn, is this your sister? Sean Stevens's former girlfriend?" Curtis asked.

"Yes, Assistant Director Curtis," Grace noted Evelyn's formal tone. "This is my sister, Grace. Assistant Director Curtis always wanted to meet you," Evelyn smiled.

"Where's the album?" Grace asked coldly.

"You need to put in a good word for me with Assistant Director Curtis first."

A "good word"? Grace knew what that meant.

"If Assistant Director Curtis is happy and gives me more screen time," Evelyn continued, her voice dropping to a threat, "I'll give you the album."

Curtis poured Grace wine. Grace glared at Evelyn. Her sister was selling her for screen time.

Evelyn handed Grace the wine. "Grace, you ruined my stardom; you owe me. This is for your own good."

"That's a new one," Grace retorted, knocking the wine over.

"You don't want the album?" Evelyn hissed.

"I'm not selling myself for it," Grace replied. Her mother wouldn't approve.

As she turned to leave, Curtis sneered, "You think you're still Steven's girlfriend? I hear you're a street cleaner. Consider it a compliment I even offered you a drink!"