I finished the last of my own bowl, drinking the final drops of broth.
"This hour's almost up."
I checked my phone, glanced at the time, and turned to her, still wearing that professional smile.
"Do you want me to take you back, or... do you have other plans?"
Sheena lowered her voice as she looked at my expressionless face.
"Stop pretending. I'm not joking. Take this money—buy a decent place to live, get a better car, find an easier job, or start a small business."
"Stop driving for ride-hailing apps. It's too exhausting, and it's not something you should be doing."
I shook my head, my gaze drifting past her, landing on the mottled bark of the old locust tree in the distance.
"Thanks, but no. I like it this way."
"Charles!"
Her voice suddenly rose, making the stall owner nearby glance over before lowering her head again and returning to work.
Sheena seemed to realize she had lost control. She took a deep breath and lowered her voice once more.
"Don't be stubborn. You know exactly what kind of life you're living now."
"This three million means nothing to me."
"Just take it as... take it as a complete end to our past relationship."
"We're even, okay?"
Clear and settled.