Jade's parents lived in a neighborhood that didn't even look real.
Every house had those perfect white columns, lawn edges trimmed like military haircuts, driveways cleaner than some people's kitchens. Even the air felt different—lighter, thinner, richer.
Jordan pulled up to the circular driveway, killing his engine before it could embarrass him any further. He glanced at his reflection in the rearview mirror.
Same hoodie.
Same worn shoes.
Same kid from Hollow Park.
"Alright," he muttered to himself. "Don't let them get in your head today."
He grabbed the Tupperware dish Jade asked him to bring—mac and cheese his mother made—and walked up to the massive double doors.
Before he could knock, the door swung open.
Amanda Reid stood there with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Jordan," she said, voice sugar-coated and sharp at the same time. "You're… here."
"Yes, ma'am." He forced a polite smile. "Jade told me to come straight in."
"I see." She stepped aside like the air around him was toxic. "Shoes off, please. The floors are marble."
Jordan slipped them off without a word.
He made it three steps before Richard Reid appeared from around the corner—Jade's father, wearing a navy suit even though it was a Saturday.
"Jordan." Richard gave him a stiff nod. "Did you bring what Jade asked for?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. The staff will handle it."
Jordan hesitated. "It was handmade by my mom so I—"
Richard lifted a finger and one of the housemaids walked over immediately.
"Take that, please," Richard said without even glancing at her.
Jordan swallowed his frustration as the maid took the dish and hurried off.
Not even a thank you.
Before he could regroup, Jade appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Jordan!" she called, rushing down with that bright smile that made everything feel normal. She wrapped her arms around him. "I was waiting for you."
He hugged her back, letting out the breath he'd been holding.
"You look beautiful," he said quietly.
"You look stressed," she whispered.
"Your parents," he muttered.
She sighed. "I know. Just ignore them."
"They don't ignore me."
Jade squeezed his hand. "I'm on your side. Always."
Her words steadied him… but not enough.
They walked into the living room where Jade's grandmother, Evelyn Reid, sat in a high-backed chair like royalty. She was the only member of the family who didn't look at him like gum on a shoe.
"Jordan," she said warmly. "Come sit by me."
Jordan smiled genuinely and sat beside her.
Jade sat next to him.
Amanda, Richard, and Jade's older brother Preston sat opposite them, watching Jordan like he was on trial.
Richard cleared his throat.
"So, Jordan," he began, folding his hands. "Jade tells us you're considering moving some funds around?"
Jordan felt Jade tense beside him.
She shot her father a look. "Dad—"
"No, it's fine," Jordan said, straightening. "It was just something Trell mentioned. Nothing major."
Richard leaned forward. "Trell… the same friend who convinced you to skip that internship last summer?"
Jordan clenched his jaw. "I didn't skip it. I chose a different path."
"Right," Richard said flatly. "A path that didn't lead anywhere."
Jade's mother chimed in from the corner. "Jordan, dear, you're a smart young man. Perhaps you should leave financial matters to people who understand them."
He stared at her, biting back the urge to say something he knew he'd regret.
Preston—arms folded, wearing an expensive watch Jordan could never afford—smirked.
Jade jumped in. "Mom, Dad, stop. Jordan works hard. Harder than a lot of people."
Richard tilted his head. "Work ethic isn't the issue. Direction is."
Jordan felt his chest tighten.
Evelyn—the grandmother—placed a gentle hand on Jordan's arm.
"Richard," she said firmly, "that's enough."
Richard opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. Even he didn't cross Evelyn.
The room softened instantly.
Jade leaned closer. "Don't listen to them," she whispered. "You're building something. They don't see it yet."
Jordan nodded slowly.
But the truth was…
He felt the weight of every word Richard said.
Direction.
Failure.
Uncertainty.
He wasn't where he wanted to be. Not yet.
And the envelope from his parents weighed heavier than ever.
Evelyn patted his hand again. "You'll be fine, Jordan. Some storms come to clear the path."
Jordan met her eyes. She smiled knowingly.
Almost… too knowingly.
Outside the window, storm clouds gathered over the perfect Reid estate.
Jordan didn't notice.
But Jade did.
And Evelyn definitely did.
Something was shifting.
And deep down, Jordan felt it too.
This was the last peaceful day he'd have for a long time.