Darcy paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. "No. Mom, why do you ask?" "The woman downstairs, her son seems nice. Similar age to you, good height and looks. Would you like to meet him?" "Mom," Darcy couldn't help but laugh. Is this a setup? "I'm not looking to date right now. My focus is on my career and studies." Ione fell silent. A little later, she put down her fork and spoke earnestly, "I know your last relationship broke your heart. But life goes on. You can't judge an entire group because of one person." She thought her daughter's refusal was just anger, a loss of faith in men because of the ugly breakup with Zane. "I know. I'm not judging anyone. I'm just really tired lately. I need to rest first."Seeing the exhaustion in her daughter's eyes, Ione's heart ached. "Alright, you go rest in your room. I'll do the dishes." Yawning, Darcy went straight to bed. When she woke up, it wasn't even eleven p.m. An awkward time—she couldn't easily fall back asleep again. After a moment's thought, she decided to go out to soak up the festive atmosphere. She bundled up in her down coat, quietly closed the door behind her, and stepped into the biting cold that made her shiver instantly. Downstairs, she found the streets crowded, mostly with young people waiting for the fireworks. Feeling a rare lightness, Darcy started walking along the street. She'd heard the city was hosting a fireworks show tonight, best viewed from the riverfront at the end of the avenue. The night wind was sharp, but the riverfront was buzzing with activity. Many couples huddled together, whispering. At an upscale club booth overlooking the riverfront— "Hugo, what's so interesting?" Ines tapped his shoulder, following his gaze out the window. Just darkness. Hugo turned, blocking the view, his eyes shadowed. "Nothing." Just then, Zora walked over with a smile. "It's really crowded out there. Looks fun. Should we go down?" "No way. It's freezing, and it'll be a madhouse. Much more comfortable watching the fireworks from here," Ines was the first to object. Seeing his resolve, Zora didn't press. "Alright, we'll watch from here then." At that, Hugo's brow relaxed slightly. He returned to the sofa and sat next to Zane, handing him a glass. "What's on your mind?" Zora also looked at Zane. He'd been clearly distracted all evening. Zane lowered his gaze, feeling guilty. Ever since Thanksgiving night, seeing Darcy with another man, he'd been restless. Is she really done with me? Has she moved on? His feelings were a tangled mess. At first, he was certain Darcy couldn't let him go, that she'd come back eventually. But lately, every time he tried to reach out, she was adamant about not looking back. Last time he was sick, she hadn't even answered his call. How had they ended up like this in just a few months? These past few days, he'd developed a habit of driving by the Gale residence after work. Even if he didn't see Darcy, just looking up and seeing the light on in her room warmed him. He also noticed something else—Darcy always came and went from work alone. No one dropped her off or picked her up. So, she didn't have a new boyfriend.That realization gave him a small measure of relief. Zane took the glass and sipped. "Just thinking about the collaboration with Prof. Reed. Securing that patent is key to SummitCore's potential IPO next year. Investing in his institute project is our best chance to get him on board." "It'll work," Zora said, coming over to sit on his other side. "For this institute project, aside from the Blackwood Group, SummitCore is the biggest investor. Prof. Reed will see our sincerity." Hugo nodded. The Sterling Group had also invested in the project. As the three discussed business, Ines shook his head in exasperation. "You three are hopeless. Working all the time is bad enough, but discussing business on holidays? You're a lost cause. It's time to have fun! How about we get some company? Zane's taken, but you and me, Hugo? One each?" Hugo gave him a look that said "you're beyond help." He stood up, his long legs unfolding, and grabbed his coat. "I've got something to do. Have fun." "Hey, wait! Don't go! Fine, no company. Happy?" His answer was the back of Hugo's head and the solid thud of the closing door. Ines spread his hands. "No idea what's gotten into him lately. Acting weird." Zora ran a hand through her long, wavy hair, a knowing look in her eyes. "Probably has his eye on someone."