That evening, to make amends, Brandon held a banquet at a restaurant, hosting both companies. Darcy excused herself, citing that she wasn't feeling well. Cindy went in her place, dressed to impress. Back at the hotel, after a shower, Darcy sat at the desk in the study to review her books. Knock, knock, knock. She got up to answer. It was Jethro. He raised a hand holding a takeout bag, a slight smile on his lips. "You haven't eaten yet, have you? Cindy asked me to bring you some dinner." "Thank you." Darcy stepped aside to let him in. She sat down to eat while Jethro subtly surveyed the suite. His gaze landed on the math test on the study desk. He raised an eyebrow. "Is this the problem Cindy mentioned you were stuck on?" Darcy's cheeks flushed, remembering his quick agreement at breakfast. Putting down her fork, she walked to the desk and pointed at the problem, explaining her thought process. "This is as far as I got. I don't know how to proceed from here." Her slightly pouting, frustrated expression was rather cute—a complete contrast to her formidable presence during the day. Jethro picked up a pen and began working through the steps on scrap paper. "This type of problem should be approached like this..." After his explanation, Darcy understood immediately. She flipped to another test paper. Using his method, she solved the previously stalled major problem in one go. Her eyes instantly lit up. "So that's it! Thanks, Mr. Blackwood."Jethro raised an eyebrow, pretending to clean his ear. "If I hear 'thanks' one more time, my ears will grow calluses." Darcy laughed. "Then I'll work harder and repay you with results." The next day was Darcy's last in Techwood. In the morning, she and Cindy visited two potential clients. However, their interest was lukewarm. One was so dismissive that he got up and left before they could finish presenting. Cindy was annoyed. "How rude. They didn't show us any respect at all." Darcy was used to it. She calmly packed up her laptop and files. "It's normal. We're basically like those persistent telemarketers. Think about how you feel when you get those calls." "Mmph, fair," Cindy conceded, wrinkling her nose. After lunch, they checked out of the hotel and took a cab to the airport.Jethro had to continue negotiations with a client and didn't travel with them. Coincidentally, Zane and Zora were on the same flight. Cindy snorted, "If anyone says there's no leak, I'll eat my hat." Darcy withdrew her gaze, ignoring the pair. "Zane," Zora began softly, "when we were riding side-by-side yesterday, I tried again to persuade Ms. Gale to return. But she seems determined not to look back. She even... well, she wasn't very receptive." Zane's gaze turned cold. "If she doesn't want to come back, then drop it." "And the non-compete matter?" "Proceed with the lawsuit as normal." A faint smile touched Zora's lips. "Alright." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Darcy in the distance. If I can't use you, then sorry—you're getting ruined.The plane landed in Aethelburg as dusk was falling. Darcy and Cindy went their separate ways, each taking a car home. When Darcy entered, Ione had just finished cooking and emerged from the kitchen with a smile. "Perfect timing! I just finished making dinner and you're home." "I have a great sense of timing," Darcy said, stepping forward to hug her mother playfully. Ione patted her head. "Aren't you a bit old for this?" "I'll always be your daughter, no matter how old I get." "Alright, go wash your hands. Dinner's ready." Coming out of the bathroom, Darcy passed the guest room. She asked casually, "Has Kaia left?" "She left," Ione replied, setting the table. "She took her suitcase back to the Lark place after lunch. That girl... I told her you'd be back tonight and to stay for dinner, but she insisted on leaving." Darcy simply hummed in acknowledgment. She knew exactly why Kaia had left in a hurry—guilt. "Darcy." Ione sat down. "Have you and Kaia... had a falling out?" Darcy paused, fork in hand. "Did she complain to you?" "No, it's just a feeling. Something seems off between you two lately. Especially you. You've been so quiet the last few times Kaia visited." "I've just been busy with work, Mom. Has Kaia been treating you well?" "Of course. Why do you ask?" Darcy shook her head. "No reason. As long as she's good to you." She didn't want to force her mother to choose between her daughters. As long as Kaia was kind to her mother, some things could be overlooked. After dinner, Darcy went to her bedroom. Her first task was to check the footage from the hidden camera in the corner. When she saw Kaia sneaking out wearing her dress, she felt a wave of disgust so strong it nearly made her sick. She immediately went to the closet and pulled out that high-end dress. The faint, lingering scent of some unknown perfume still clung to it. Pinching her nose, Darcy threw the dress straight into the trash. She knew deep down that this time, she and Kaia had truly reached a point of no return. The sisterhood of the past, like this dress, would be buried forever. ... After three days away, a pile of work had accumulated at the office, waiting for Darcy's attention.