A faint, triumphant smile touched her lips. She went to the next room and knocked softly. She'd prepared an excuse, but before she could say a word, a long arm reached out from inside and pulled her in. The room was pitch black. Kaia's heart hammered. "I—" she managed a single syllable before being tossed onto the soft bed. Then a hot, heavily muscled body covered hers. Kaia's heart soared with triumph. She whimpered softly, "G-gently... I'm scared it'll hurt." She had no idea how long it went on, but eventually, they both fell into a deep sleep. The next morning, she was woken by a strong beam of sunlight.Instinctively covering her eyes, she turned and cooed softly, "Hugo—" But the name died on her lips. She froze as if struck by lightning. Ines rubbed his eyes, waking up. He hadn't missed her call. He let out a derisive snort. "So, Hugo was your target? Sorry to disappoint. He had to leave early last night." "What?!" Kaia couldn't believe it. Anger surged. "What did you do to me last night?!" "I did to you?" Ines pinched her chin. "Wasn't it the other way around?" He got up indifferently, stretched, and leisurely lit a cigarette. "That drink I had last night was off. I couldn't figure it out at first. But last night, when I started feeling... restless, and then you knocked... I put it together." His eyes turned sharp and menacing. "Trying to trap Hugo, huh? Want to be Mrs. Sterling?"Trying to climb so high? Look at yourself. Are you worthy?" Kaia's mind buzzed. She still couldn't believe she'd slept with the wrong man! By the time she processed it, Ines was already in the shower. The sound of running water from the bathroom hammered home the reality of last night's mistake. In her dazed state, a new thought surfaced. If I can't be Mrs. Sterling... being Mrs. Cross would work too! Anything was better than marrying that old, fat man! With that thought, she ignored her disheveled state and red eyes, scrambled into her clothes, and fled the room. Ines came out, drying his hair, to find the bed empty. A cold sneer crossed his face. So cowardly, and yet daring enough to try drugging someone. ...The holiday flew by. Soon, it was time to return to work. After the break, Darcy was like a wound-up clock, with countless tasks demanding her attention. Days were filled with R&D work, checking on project deliveries, managing marketing tasks, and hosting client dinners to maintain relationships and scout new business. Evenings were for reviewing professional knowledge. Her initial exam results were out—she had passed with the top score among all candidates. Only the final interview remained. Weekends were for Alistair's institute project, working on her two patent applications, and helping Bram and the team with their AI project development. It was a hectic but fulfilling schedule. Darcy thoroughly enjoyed her life now. One Saturday, Gwen called early, asking if she had time to go shopping. "I have nothing but time right now. No classes, thesis is almost done. Just reviewing for the final interview, waiting." Gwen had also passed the written exam with a very good score. Darcy laughed, "Not during the day. I'm swamped. Evening might work." Hearing Gwen had free time, she teased, "Why don't you come intern at our company? After all, your school probably wants you to get some internship experience—plus, it can count for credits if you need it!" "Oh! Right! Why didn't I think of that?" Gwen exclaimed. "Done. It's decided!" Darcy was taken aback. "I was joking. Your cousin will be okay with that?" Gwen pouted. "I'm an adult. I can decide for myself." "Alright then." After hanging up, Darcy texted Zephyr, "Hiring an intern for the R&D team. Starts next Monday." After breakfast, Darcy headed to the institute.The office was unusually full—all of Alistair's students, from Master's to PhD candidates. Darcy had met them all at Alistair's birthday gathering. She greeted everyone calmly. One student, Mia Mercer, couldn't place her at first. After Darcy walked by, she nudged the person next to her. "Who is she? She's not Prof. Reed's student. Why is she here?" The student, Caleb, adjusted his glasses. "She's not yet. But she will be." He explained that Darcy had taken the written exam for Alistair's part-time program and gotten first place. Mia finally remembered where she'd seen Darcy before. She frowned. "A part-time student? What skills could she have? Why does she get to work here with us?" Caleb raised a finger to his lips, signaling her to lower her voice. Mia scoffed, "What's there to be scared of? She's just getting in through connections."At lunch, Darcy went with Bram to the campus cafeteria.