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    Connor paused briefly before responding, “Alright then.


    With permission granted, Cam was in high spirits.


    The next day, Cam slept until she woke naturally and dressed in casual wear before heading back


    to the old neighborhood in the city. It had been a while since she felt such a down–to–earth


    atmosphere.


    Street vendors hawked their snacks, and Cam bought a corn dog to munch on as she walked. As


    she approached Cole’s fruit shop, Cam tossed the stick in the trash and wiped her mouth clean.


    ire had told her not to eat such things, and certainly, she couldn’t let Cole find out.


    “Hey Cole,” Cam greeted as she stood at the entrance of the fruit shop.


    Cole, busy weighing fruit for customers, waved back at her.


    Then she reached the diner.


    “Mom.”


    ire was overjoyed to see her daughter, “My dear, we live in the same city, but it’s been so long


    since you’ve visited.”


    “I’ve been busy at the headquarters,” Cam said, yfully hugging her mom. She then turned and


    noticed the diner was empty. “Why are there no customers at this time?”


    ire sighed helplessly, “A new diner opened across the street, offering really cheap prices, and it’s


    drawn our customers away.”


    “Cheaper than ours?” Cam asked, surprised. Their diner’s prices were already low, with daily


    fresh ingredients and minimal profit margins.


    “Regr portion is for five dors andrge portion for seven,” ire exined.


    “How are they even making a profit?” Cam was shocked. Such prices were rare even in smaller


    cities, let alone a major one, where rent and utility costs were high.


    Cole then came in and said, “I asked around about thendlord. The person who rented that ce


    is a young woman named Tabitha.”


    “Why would a young girl run a loss–making business?” ire wondered.


    Cam stared at the bustling diner across the street, clenching her fists. ire didn’t know, but


    Cam did. There was only one person who would go against them like this.


    To hurt the enemy at the cost of hurting oneself even more was stupid. Only the reckless Tabitha


    could do something like this.


    “Mom, maybe we should close the diner. I now earn enough money. I can take care of you, and you


    can enjoy some peace,” Cam said earnestly.


    ire held Cam’s hand, smiling. “Sweetheart, I’m proud of you, but I’m still young and can work.


    Save your money. When I’m too old to make ravioli, then you can take care of me.”


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    “Mom, I’m serious.”


    “I am too, dear. It doesn’t make sense for me to rely on you while I’m still capable. Although


    business isn’t great, some loyal customers still prefer my ravioli. I can’t bear to close down.”


    “That diner won’tst long. They are losing money every day. Once they raise their prices, no one


    will go there,” Cole added.


    “Exactly, it’s losing thousands a month. Surely, the owner isn’t foolish,” ire chuckled.


    Cam sighed. The owner WAS foolish, and for Tabitha’s family, a few thousand was just a trivial


    amount.


    That jerk had already broken her mother’s heart. She didn’t want her mother to suffer more because


    of his new family.


    “Mom, promise me that if that diner is still open after three months, we’ll close ours, and I’ll take


    care of you,” Cam said.


    “Okay, I promise you,” ire nodded.


    Cole, you’re our witness!” Cam looked at Cole.


    Cole nodded in agreement.