"Hey, isn't that your not-so-real bestie?" Cindy said, nudging her chin towards the figures. Darcy looked up. It was indeed Kaia. But something was off. Why was her face so flushed? Probably drunk. Cindy wrinkled her nose. "How much did she drink?" Darcy pressed her lips together. She used to treat Kaia like a younger sister, instinctively looking out for her—telling her not to drink, not to smoke, and definitely not to hang out with random guys. Now, hanging out with Zora, it seemed she'd picked up all those habits. Darcy had no intention of interfering. She turned to Cindy. "Let's go." Just as she was opening her car door, a faint, distressed moan reached them. Cindy's expression changed instantly. "That's not right. Kaia's not drunk... she's been drugged!" "Darcy," Cindy whispered urgently, leaning close. "Your fake sister might have been slipped something. It's your call whether to step in or not." Darcy frowned. If Kaia was a willing participant, she wouldn't get involved. But if she wasn't... she couldn't just walk away. Even if it were a stranger, she'd try to help. "Kaia, wake up! Are you okay?" Darcy called out loudly, turning and walking towards them. The sudden voice startled Seth. He squinted at the two women approaching. For a moment, he was stunned. These two were stunning, both in looks and figure—far more sophisticated than the one in his arms. A leer spread across his face. "You ladies know Kaia? Great! We were just heading to another spot. Why don't you join us?"His gaze slithered over them like a snake, making Darcy's skin crawl. "Kaia! Are you going with this man willingly?" Darcy called her name again. Getting no response, Darcy reached for Kaia, but Seth blocked her. "Hey now, beautiful. Hands off my friend. Feel me up all you want, but not her," he said with a sleazy smirk. His tone made Darcy's frown deepen. Seeing that the two women were serious and feeling his own urges growing stronger by the second, Seth decided to cut his losses for now. These two could wait. "Ladies, my friend and I have places to be. Catch you later," he said, trying to maneuver past. Darcy stepped in front of him. "Are you sure she's going with you willingly?" "What's your problem?" Seth snapped, his patience and fake charm gone, fueled by the drug's heat. He shoved Darcy's arm aside roughly. "Get the hell out of my way!"Cindy stepped forward. "You dare lay a hand on her?" In the commotion, Kaia stirred. Holding her dizzy head, her blurry vision focused on Darcy. She glared, her eyes blazing with anger. "You again? What bad luck!" Darcy's heart sank. She tightened her grip on her purse and took a steadying breath. "Are you going with this man willingly, or is he forcing you? If it's the latter—" "We're going willingly!" Kaia cut her off with a loud, defiant shout, her lips curling in scorn. "You think everyone's like you, desperate to be some man's lapdog?!" "Are you out of your mind? Can't tell who's trying to help you?" Cindy rolled up her sleeves, ready to slap some sense into her, but Darcy caught her arm. The winter night was eerily quiet. Darcy exhaled slowly, her voice calm but final. "I was meddling where I shouldn't have. From now on, whether you live or die has nothing to do with me." With that, she turned, pulling Cindy with her. "Ha! Like I need your concern! I don't! I have Dr. Moss now. She's a hundred times better than you!" Kaia yelled after her, her voice strained. Whether from the outburst or the drug, after shouting, Kaia felt unbearably hot, her throat raw, her head swimming. As Seth bundled her into the car, she let out another weak moan and lost consciousness completely. Once the car started, Seth received a text. "Don't go too far. No casualties." He rubbed his jaw. His toys at home hadn't seen action for a while. He'd planned to try them all. Now it looked like he'd only use half. What a shame. ... The next day was Friday.Cindy texted Darcy earlier, "Wanna hang out tonight? I booked a club booth with a view of the fireworks." "No thanks. I just want to go home and rest." Darcy declined. She was exhausted. Finally having some free time, she needed to catch up on sleep. Back home, Ione had just finished cooking. "Any plans with friends tonight?" Ione asked lovingly, ruffling her daughter's hair. Darcy shook her head. "Nope. I'm staying with you tonight." "What's so special about staying with me?" Ione chided gently, then asked carefully, "No... boys asked you out?"