Zora's back stiffened. Exposed? Does Darcy know something? No, impossible. She must be talking about Bex. Yes, that had to be it. Thankfully, that fool Bex had taken all the blame. "Let's go, Kaia," Zora said, forcing a calm tone. Kaia stamped her foot angrily. "Dr. Moss, you're too nice! Did you see how smug she looked? We should have put her in her place!" Zora took a deep breath and offered a strained smile. "I don't like conflict. Besides, we have other business tonight. Don't let someone irrelevant ruin it." Remembering the client waiting in the upstairs private room, Kaia hesitated. "What's wrong?" Zora reached for her hand. Kaia looked troubled. "Zora... is it that Mr. Kent again? I don't want to see him."Zora blinked innocently. "Why not?" "I—" Kaia bit her lip, shame and embarrassment making it hard to speak. Last time, Zora had sent her alone to finalize a contract with Eliot. Over the phone, Eliot had been very accommodating, sent her a location, and promised to sign immediately. Kaia, thinking only of her commission, had taken a cab straight there. The place turned out to be a private club. She'd hesitated, but still went in. The overweight, greasy Eliot had stared at her like prey. "Finish the drinks on the table, and I'll sign right away." Kaia had no choice. She obeyed, but with a low alcohol tolerance, she was drunk after less than three glasses. She woke up the next morning in Eliot's bed. She felt dead inside, humiliated and devastated. Her first thought was that she was no longer worthy of Hugo.She barely remembered how she left that room or how she handed the signed contract to Zora. She had struggled to move past that trauma. Now, Zora had called her out after work again. Fear gripped her. She took a step back. "I'm sorry, Dr. Moss. Just the thought of Mr. Kent makes me sick. I don't want to go up there." Zora smiled reassuringly, "It's not Mr. Kent. It's a friend of mine. He's very handsome and very interested in our products." "Really?" "Of course. When have I ever lied to you?" "Alright then." Relieved, Kaia followed her. Up ahead, Zora's red lips curved in a small smile. Inside the private room, Zora made the introductions. "This is my good friend, Seth Hale. And this is my assistant, Kaia Lark.""Don't let 'assistant' fool you. Our Kaia is very capable, excellent at her job," Zora said, placing a hand on Seth's shoulder with emphasis. "Don't underestimate her." Seth smiled, his gaze fixed directly on Kaia. "Of course not. Kaia looks exceptionally clever." Kaia smiled shyly, "You flatter me." Inside, she was pleased. Zora is so good to me. Not only does she introduce me to clients, but she praises me in front of them. She supports me no matter what. Nothing like Darcy. Darcy had never praised her. On the contrary, whenever she made a mistake, Darcy would criticize her harshly, making her lose face in front of the whole team. Halfway through the meal, Zora's phone rang from her purse. "Hello, Zane? What? Something at the office? Is it urgent?" After hanging up, she bit her lip apologetically, looking at Kaia and Seth. "I'm so sorry, you two. There's an emergency at the office I have to handle. Kaia, please keep Seth company for me."As she stood, she teased, "Seth, don't you dare bully my girl. Kaia's my best friend!" Seth grinned, "Come on, what do you take me for? Don't worry, I'll take good care of Kaia." The moment the door closed, Seth immediately picked up his wine glass and moved to sit beside Kaia. "Don't be scared, Kaia. Can you drink?" Remembering last time's lesson, Kaia shook her head firmly. "I don't drink." "No problem. Young ladies shouldn't drink anyway. Here, have a soda!" Seth smoothly rotated the lazy Susan, bringing a glass of cola in front of Kaia. Without suspicion, Kaia picked it up and drank half of it. Seth watched her, eyes narrowed slightly. "So, Kaia, you like sweet things, huh?" Kaia smiled, about to speak, when she suddenly felt dizzy. Less than thirty seconds later, the room felt stifling and hot..."I... I'm sorry, I need to use the restroom." "Kaia, you're tipsy. Let me take you home," Seth said, sliding an arm around her waist and pulling her close with a smirk. A sliver of consciousness remained. "N-no... I didn't drink..." His smirk turned mean. "Sometimes the buzz comes from you, not the drink." With that, he guided her, half-supporting her, out of the room. Darcy and Cindy had just finished their meal and were walking to the parking garage when they ran into Kaia and Seth.