"Alright," Arthur said, then coughed a few times. Jethro quickly stood to pat his back. "It's fine." Arthur waved him off. "Oh, Jethro, remember to visit your father and uncle tomorrow morning. It gets lonely for them up on the hill." Jethro was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Alright." Arthur, in the bed, though his eyes were cloudy, had a clear mind. He sensed his grandson's low spirits. Considering how his grandson hadn't had a girlfriend in all these years, Arthur understood. "Jethro, you still haven't forgotten that girl, have you?" Jethro's eyes darkened. He adjusted his grandfather's blanket. "No. Grandpa, you just woke up. You shouldn't tire yourself. Get some rest."Before leaving, he instructed the private nurse by the door, "Keep a close watch. Contact me immediately if anything changes." Arthur closed his eyes heavily. That car accident had taken his two sons and turned their widows into lifelong enemies. He would never allow his grandson to be with the daughter of the one responsible! But Jethro's attitude tonight was hard to read. It seemed it was time to start thinking seriously about his grandson's marriage. The holiday passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was the fourth day of Christmas break. Early in the morning, Darcy was woken by a call from Cindy. "Darcy! Want to go to a hot spring?" An excited voice came through the phone. Darcy rubbed her sleepy eyes. "Hot spring? Where?" "A private mountain resort. The scenery is beautiful! Hot springs, all kinds of flowers, camping, barbecues..." Darcy's bedroom door was open. Ione overheard and immediately chimed in, "Go on! Go have fun with your friends." For the past few days, to reassure her mother, Darcy hadn't left the house, either reading or watching TV. Ione knew her daughter was afraid John would show up again. But as a mother, seeing her daughter like this only made her heart ache. Hearing a friend's invitation, she eagerly urged her to accept. "Alright. I'll get ready and head out." Since they were staying overnight, Darcy packed a small backpack and drove to the meeting point. At the foot of the mountain, she saw Cindy waving from the roadside. After parking, the two hiked up.Plum blossoms were in full bloom. They took numerous photos until they were tired, then headed for the hot springs. The springs here weren't the open-air kind but indoor pools, with swimwear provided. Darcy reached for a set of swimwear, but Cindy stopped her. "Stop! That's too basic! How can that showcase our beauty?" She opened her own bag. "Ta-da! Feast your eyes on the swimsuits I picked! Gorgeous, right?" Darcy looked down at the two-piece swimsuit Cindy had shoved into her hands—two small, scant pieces of fabric. She felt awkward. "They're beautiful, but... aren't they a bit... too revealing?" "Nonsense! Besides, the whole pool area is just for us. What are you afraid of?" That was true. After a moment's thought, Darcy was less resistant and went to change. After changing, she didn't look in the mirror, unaware of how striking she looked in the outfit.Cindy said she needed to use the restroom and told Darcy to go ahead to the pool. "Which one is ours?" There were several pools. Darcy didn't want to get the wrong one, so Cindy pointed her in the right direction. As Cindy said, it was a private resort, quiet and nearly empty. Very few people were using the springs. Darcy followed the remembered route but forgot whether to turn left or right at a fork. She chose one at random. Unfortunately, she chose the wrong one. Darcy froze, staring at the shirtless man in front of her. He was always in sharp suits at work. She never expected the boss actually had... broad shoulders, a narrow waist, clearly defined abs, that perfect V-line... By the time she processed it, her eyes had already taken in everything they shouldn't have.Darcy's face flushed with heat. She turned around silently. "Sorry... wrong room..." Jethro had already composed himself. His lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. When Darcy walked in moments ago, in that alluring swimsuit, with her long hair against delicate skin, his breath had hitched. Out of politeness, he had looked away. He guessed she was lost. He turned, grabbed a loose robe, and draped it over her shoulders. Then, he leaned close and spoke softly into her ear, "Turn right and go straight to the end. That's the pool for you and Cindy." His low, husky voice sent a shiver down Darcy's spine. Her back stiffened, her face burning even hotter. She clutched the robe. "Thank you." "Um..." Darcy closed her eyes, stammering, "I really did get lost. I wasn't trying to... seduce you, you know..." Jethro was momentarily taken aback, then let out a soft chuckle. "I know." As they were speaking, Zephyr opened the door from the inner changing room and stepped out. Seeing a woman standing at the entrance, he was startled.