Ione blinked as if waking from a bad dream, forcing a weak smile. "No. I just slept too long this afternoon." Darcy knew that wasn't true. Her mother was lying. She took in her mother's red-rimmed eyes and frowned. "Did he come here again? Did that man come to harass you? I'm calling the police!" "Darcy, don't." Ione grabbed her daughter's hand. "It's fine. I chased him off with a broom. "He didn't do anything. He just... said things. Unpleasant things." Seeing her mother's weary expression, Darcy wrapped her arms around her. "Mom, don't worry. I won't be swayed by anything he says. Next time he dares to show up, you call me immediately. I'll shout him off." "Alright. My good girl." Back in the living room, Darcy couldn't shake her unease.After thinking it over, she decided to install a smart video doorbell and a reinforced door. As luck would have it, Cindy called. Hearing Darcy's plan, Cindy immediately recommended a friend whose family was in the security business. After sorting that out, Cindy hesitated. "Are you free tonight?" "Yeah." "Come with me. I have a blind date." Wait, a blind date? Remembering how she'd encouraged Cindy to move on, Darcy felt obligated. "Of course. I'm in." That evening, after ensuring her mother was settled, Darcy drove to the meeting spot. Weirdly, the guy had picked a bar. The pulsing music screamed bad choice for a first meet. Darcy found Cindy at a booth. No man in sight. "Where's your... date?" Darcy asked, sliding in beside her. "Not here yet," Cindy sighed, spreading her hands. What kind of guy chooses a bar and then is late? Ridiculous! Darcy would have left already. But this was Cindy's night, and Cindy had finally mustered the courage to step forward. Darcy wouldn't ruin it. She poured herself some club soda and waited. Soon, the man arrived, all apologies and smarmy smiles. "Sorry to keep you two waiting. I'll down three as an apology." Darcy sized him up. He looked okay, but the gelled hair and polished face screamed seasoned flirt. Cindy was no match for him. The man looked between them with a practiced grin. "Now, which lovely lady is Ms. Blackwood? Don't tell me! Let me guess!" He snapped his fingers, his smile greasy. "The one on the left is elegant and gentle. The one on the right is stunning and captivating. Surely, Ms. Blackwood must be... the one on the left!" Cindy smiled thinly, "Wrong. Try again." The man's face fell for a second before he recovered with a nervous laugh. "Ah, I was just joking! Everyone in Aethelburg knows Ms. Blackwood is a celebrated beauty!" Upstairs in a private booth, Zephyr stepped out to take a call from his mother, Doris, wondering why he wasn't home yet. "Mom," Zephyr said, a headache forming. "I told you, I moved into the apartment this week. I won't be back at the villa tonight. Go to bed earlier, okay?" Doris started in on her usual long list of complaints about his health and sleep schedule. Zephyr gave her a few half-hearted answers and hung up the phone. He was pushing thirty, and his mother still treated him like a kid.He leaned against the second-floor railing, massaging his temples. His gaze drifted idly to the bar floor below—and caught on two familiar figures. He looked closer. They were sitting with a man. Cindy threw her head back, laughing at something the man said. It was a loose, tipsy laugh that made her look radiant. Zephyr frowned slightly. Who's that guy? Pushing down a flicker of irritation, he turned and went back into the private room. It was a gathering with friends from his social circle who had just learned he was back—a welcome-back party of sorts. He sat on the sofa. A beautiful woman approached, offering him a cigarette with a sultry look. He was usually squeaky clean, ready to refuse—but his hand moved faster than his brain. He took the cigarette, leaned into her lighter, and sparked it.Smoke filled the air around him. He felt inexplicably restless. The cigarette helped. Only for a minute, though. "Zephyr," the woman cooed, trying to sit on his lap. Zephyr stood up abruptly. He stubbed out the cigarette and nodded to the host. "Something came up. I have to go. Put everything on my tab." The room fell silent, watching his hurried exit. The woman he left behind bit her lip, frustration etched on her face. Just like the rumors. Untouchable. Downstairs, Zephyr scanned the booths. No one was there anymore. He hurried to the entrance and saw the woman who had been on his mind all night. "Darcy, no need to see me out—I can drive! I'm fine!" Cindy slurred, clinging to Darcy's arm.