"I can't believe a powerful woman like Madam Vostokoff would lose her head over a worthless man. How disappointing," Aspen muttered, finally suppressing her humiliation and anger.

"Come on, Christie. If she doesn't recognize our value, we'll go to Mr. Giordano in the Northern District," she declared.

"Aspen, there are many ways to expand our family's business into Jayrodale," Christina said worriedly. "I don't think you need to deal with underground figures like them. Their methods are often