She glanced around, wondering if she should climb the tree. Looking down at her dress, she dismissed the idea. Not practical today. Resigned to picking only from the lower branches, she was startled by a low voice behind her. "Want the ones up high? Left side or right? Point out the branch, I'll get it for you." Darcy turned her head, her gaze landing on his sharply defined jawline, radiating a distinct masculine aura. She was clearly taken aback. When did he get here? I didn't hear a thing. Hearing no reply, Hugo looked down at her with a slight smile. "Well?" Darcy frowned. "No need. I can manage." Though Hugo had helped her several times, and his scarf was still at her home, because of his connection to Zane, she wanted to keep her distance. Her refusal was meant as a clear signal—Stay away. It's better for both of us. But Hugo clearly thought otherwise. Seeing her cool, distant expression, he simply started picking the jujubes from the higher branches and placing them in a nearby basket. Being tall, he worked quickly. The basket was soon full. Darcy sighed softly, "Okay, that's enough." She crouched to pick up the basket. "I'm heading back." This time, she didn't say thank you. Hugo's help wasn't what she'd wanted. Hugo wasn't offended. He quietly followed her, occasionally reminding her to watch her step. Darcy, anxious to get away, quickened her pace. But fate wasn't on her side. The more she hurried, the more flustered she became. The mountain path was strewn with stones. Darcy missed one and twisted her ankle. "Ah—!" she gasped. The basket fell from her hands. Hugo, right behind her, rushed forward. He knelt to examine her foot. "Where does it hurt? Let me see." He gently removed her shoe. Her ankle was already red and swollen. Seeing the pain on her face, he scooped her up into his arms. "I'll take you to the hospital." Darcy bit her lip, struggling slightly. "Um..." "Don't move. Don't be stubborn now," Hugo said, frowning, thinking she was rejecting his help again. "No, it's... the jujubes are still on the ground." Hugo paused, then chuckled, "I'll come back for them after I get you to the car." At the orchard entrance, they ran into the others.Cindy was the first to see them. "Darcy! Are you hurt?" Darcy managed a weak smile. "It's nothing. Just twisted my ankle." The path was full of small stones; it was easy to misstep. But... why was Hugo carrying her? Cindy was curious. Zora and Zane were visibly stunned. Ines' mind was screaming, "What the hell is happening?!" In an unnoticed corner, Kaia's face had gone pale, staring at the scene in disbelief. Jethro, after his initial surprise, walked forward calmly. "I'll take her." He held out his arms, looking at Hugo. The message was clear—Hand her over. I'll carry her. Hugo's eyes flashed with surprise for a second before his lips pressed into a thin line.The two men, similar in stature and presence, faced off. Jethro explained evenly, "She came up the mountain with us. Since she got hurt while with our group, it's my responsibility. I'll take her to the hospital." Hugo let out a soft, humorless laugh. What a flimsy excuse. He raised an eyebrow. "I think respecting the person involved is more important." Darcy looked from the man holding her to the one in front of her. Both radiated intense energy. She was at a loss. Finally, she spoke up, "Actually... I could probably walk." "No!" "No!" The two men spoke in unison. Darcy ran a hand through her hair, looking pleadingly at Cindy. "You work out every day, right? Time to prove it."Cindy blinked, then understood. She took off her jacket. "Right! I've got muscles! Give Darcy to me. I'll carry her to the car!" Thank goodness! Darcy felt relieved. Hugo hadn't expected things to take this turn, but handing Darcy to Cindy was preferable to handing her to Jethro. He carefully transferred Darcy to Cindy's arms. "You go ahead down. I'll get the jujubes and meet you." And so, Darcy's party of four left first. After they were gone, Zora couldn't hold back. She stepped forward, her voice cold. "What were you doing with Darcy?" Hugo replied casually, "Just ran into her." "Just a coincidence?" Zora frowned. How convenient, in such a large orchard, they just happened to meet. "Yeah." Hugo didn't elaborate. He turned and walked back towards the trees. Nearby, Zane's expression was equally grim.His eyes were icy cold. Why was Hugo with Darcy?