a knock, quickly wiping her hands on her apron. "Hold on

ocery bags and wearing a warm smile. "We

," Cassie exclaimed with a wid

ssie firm yet affectionate. As they parted, Jane entered the house and

e?" Jane inquired, giving

assie asked, her signature g

ane said, eliciting a giggle from Cassie as she mimick

are still the biggest troublemakers," Cass

the groceries while still keeping an eye on Cassie. With a determined look, she cont

ight not even do anythin

lone. Anne and I will take care of everything," Jan

est," Cassie exclaimed, tearin

her and taking

y, Jane turned her attention to C

le playing on her lips. "And guess what? I've mad

eyebrow, feigni

e all of Anne's cooking lessons, I'm st

r portion since Annette mentioned you'd be dropping by." She retrieved a

us!" she exclaimed. Cassie's smile was infectious, and she sh

r, Jane's concern for Annette gnawed at her, but she didn't want to burden Cassie, so she kept it to herself.

going upstairs to see Annette." Cassie, engrossed

ht. To avoid startling her, Jane called her name softly

e here," Annette admit

tuation, it seems like there's something

inviting Jane to sit beside her on the bed. She then shared the eve

her voice rising as she glared at her frie

ly. "I'm really concerned, Jane. I just don't want Cassie

ntime, let's start exploring new j

You don't realize how challenging things are out there," she confessed. After a pause

Anne, don't even entertain that

ration," she whispered, "right no

t me, it's a path that won't lead to a good outcome," J

, and I can't bear to see her continu

-respect for financial gain," Jane admoni

h, Annette, but the CEO's proposal

e, but you don't fully grasp my situation,"

ent. There are better alternatives," Ja

apologize, Jane. I've already lost so much. I just wan

ering. "Let me help you find a job.

re, Jane. If things don't work out, I migh

y have your best interests at heart," Jane ex

atever is necessary

the right approach," Jane remarked before exiting

for her, but the weight of her decisions pressed heavily on her shoulders. She glanced at the photo

te's determination solidified. She was well aware of the risk