"I actually thought she got in on her own merit, placing first on the entrance exam. Turns out that's not the case at all." Zane frowned, tugging at his tie. He didn't like Zora talking like this. It just felt... off. But he kept his mouth shut. Seeing his silence, Zora grew bolder. Good. He's clearly over her. Once the Q1 launch was a success, bringing up their engagement would be smooth sailing. Meanwhile, Alistair and Bram were walking back to campus. Bram was confused. "Prof. Reed, why not just ask Darcy? They were offering a lot. She might have sold it." Alistair shook his head. "Darcy told me herself. The patent isn't for sale; she has her own plans for it. "I didn't tell them she holds it because I didn't want them bothering her. She's swamped enough as it is." Bram nodded, a pang of sympathy hitting him. He'd seen the dark circles under Darcy's eyes that morning. Alistair was right. Better to keep them away. ... Monday, Gwen arrived for her first day at Stratagem Tech. Darcy introduced her to the team. The programmers, who rarely saw someone so genuinely sweet and cute, instantly adored her. Even Zephyr treated her like a little sister, offering snacks and buying her coffee. By the end of the day, Gwen was the office's new darling. Cindy, however, seemed a little down. Darcy noticed and followed her gaze. Zephyr was explaining a task to Gwen at her computer, patient and detailed. Darcy got it right away. Oh. Jealous, huh. Darcy nudged Cindy's head playfully. "And you say you don't like him!" Cindy looked away, deflated. "Well, not anymore." "Not gonna give it another shot?" Darcy asked. "Be a shame to let it go." Cindy gave a bitter smile. "That night, after you went inside, he asked me if we could just stay friends." Darcy knew immediately which night she meant—the one at the mountain villa. "If he just wants to be friends, what's the point?" Cindy mumbled. Darcy fell silent for a moment. Then she pulled Cindy into a hug. She knew all too well the sting of unrequited feelings. "Diamonds might be hard to find, but good guys are a dime a dozen," Darcy said firmly. "And you're a Blackwood—you can pick from the best!" Cindy's mood lifted slightly. "You're right! Looks-wise, Zephyr's just okay. He's not even as handsome as my brother. Starting tomorrow, I'm hitting the clubs every night. I'll walk right up to any hot guy and ask if he wants to date." Darcy sighed. That's not exactly what I meant. But she knew Cindy was just joking, blowing off steam. She wouldn't actually lose her head. The afternoon flew by in a blur of work. When Darcy finally looked up, it was dark outside. Grabbing her bag, she headed out, only to run into Gwen in the elevator. "Staying late on your first day?" Darcy asked, surprised. It was already past 7 PM. Gwen waved a hand dismissively. "I'm the 'nepotism hire' you brought in. Gotta work extra hard! Don't want people talking behind your back." Nepotism hire...Darcy couldn't help but laugh, "Have you ever seen a 'nepotism hire' on a cheap intern's salary?" A day's pay here wouldn't even cover a decent meal. "I just don't want to embarrass you!" Gwen said, linking her arm with Darcy's playfully. Darcy ruffled her hair. "Had dinner? Come on, my treat." "Great! But you're not paying," Gwen said, her smile turning sly. "Someone's treating both of us." Oh? Who? When they reached the lobby and saw Hugo waiting, Darcy understood. Hugo wore a camel-colored coat, standing tall and relaxed. The usual coolness about him was gone, replaced by an easy, gentlemanly air. Seeing them exit the elevator, he smiled at Darcy. "Thank you for helping Gwen with the internship. If you're free, I'd like to take you to dinner." Before Darcy could answer, Gwen chimed in, her big eyes blinking innocently, "We're free! We're totally free! We haven't eaten yet." Put that way, Darcy couldn't refuse. "You're too kind. Something simple's fine." Hugo nodded. "Alright. My car's outside." The three of them got into his car and drove off. A Rolls-Royce parked by the curb remained still, engine off. In the back seat, Cindy narrowed her eyes, glancing at her brother beside her. "I think Darcy and that Hugo are... close." Jethro showed no reaction. Cindy decided to stir the pot. "Remember when she hurt her ankle picking dates? He carried her down the mountain. Looked more worried than anyone. And now he's taking her out to dinner right in the open."And it's not like Darcy dislikes him. Otherwise, why would she get his cousin an internship here?" She stole a glance at Jethro. His jaw was clenched tight. A sly smile touched her lips. "So, what do you think, Jethro?"