When he'd seen Hugo carrying Darcy, Zane had felt his blood run cold. The sight was unbearable! Ines noticed his expression. He patted Zane's shoulder. "Don't overthink it. Hugo said he just ran into her. You know him—he's been a gentleman since we were kids. He'd help anyone who was hurt, even a stranger on the street." Zora, calmer now, also thought Ines made sense. Right. Hugo is kind and helpful. It can't be because he likes Darcy. She took a breath and looked up at Zane, her tone light. "Ines is right. Hugo must have helped Darcy out of respect for you. She was your employee, after all." Zane's brow relaxed slightly. Yes. That must be it. Having reasoned it out, the three quickly regained their composure. Only Kaia, in her corner, remained pale. No!She had had a crush on Hugo for years. Though he rarely showed emotion, she could tell—when he was carrying Darcy, the corner of his mouth had lifted ever so slightly. That was happiness! Did Hugo really like Darcy? She covered her mouth with a trembling hand, desperately trying to convince herself it wasn't true. It can't be! Before anything could develop between them, she had to act first. Her hand went to her pocket, feeling the small packet of powder inside. Tonight, the four of them were staying at the hotel at the foot of the mountain. It was the perfect opportunity. After dark, Zora's group went to the hotel restaurant for dinner. Later, they played cards. It was almost midnight when everyone finally headed to their rooms. Kaia appeared just then. "Heading up? You must be tired from playing. I got you some juice."She handed out glasses. Zora gave her an appraising look, pleased with her attentiveness. "Great, thanks." She took a glass. Kaia smiled nervously, "It's nothing." She handed glasses to Zane and Ines. When she reached Hugo, her hand trembled slightly, spilling a little on his hand. "Oh! I'm sorry! Let me get you a towel." There were none nearby, so she hurried out to fetch one. Zora shook her head. "Still so clumsy." Ines saw Hugo holding his untouched juice. "If you don't want it, give it to me. I'm parched." "Here." Hugo handed it over. He didn't like sweet drinks before bed. In a short while, Kaia returned with tissues for Hugo, who thanked her politely.She glanced at the table and saw three empty glasses, then her heart raced. Even his voice is so gentle. Tonight... The thought made her face flush. Zora noticed. "What are you thinking about? Your face is all red." Kaia quickly shook her head. "N-nothing." No one pressed further. They headed upstairs to their rooms. Kaia lingered, trailing behind. Their rooms were on the same floor, and hers was right next to Hugo's. Back in her room, Kaia shut the door and sat on the bed, counting the seconds. She couldn't resist pulling out her phone to text the person who'd sold her the powder, "How long until it takes effect?" "Fast-acting. Twenty minutes."Twenty minutes—she checked her watch. Five to go. She let out a shaky breath and poured a glass of red wine, needing courage. Kaia hadn't planned to go this far. She had saved the purest, most tender part of her heart for Hugo. All of this was that monster Seth's fault! That night... just thinking about it made her close her eyes and shiver. The physical injuries were one thing, but— She touched her stomach. After that night, her period had stopped. Her worst fear had come true. To make matters worse, the Lark family had made it clear they intended to set her up with Barry of Greenfield Group, a man in his sixties with a bald head and a bloated face. "I'm not going!" she screamed—only to get slapped hard by her father. "You've lived off us—ate our food, wore the clothes we bought you! You refuse to marry him? How're you gonna pay us back? You will marry him, and that's final!" Out of options, she had come up with this plan. She touched her stomach again. Less than a month along. If tonight goes well, I'll insist the baby is Hugo's. Then I'll be Mrs. Sterling... The thought of that title was intoxicating. She set the wine glass aside. Alcohol isn't good for the baby. She checked her watch again.