"That's not true! Darcy has been working so hard, running between home and the hospital. She's exhausted," Ione couldn't help but defend her daughter. But she had raised Kaia too and tried to be fair to both, so her tone wasn't harsh. Kaia pouted. "She's not even working right now. What's there to be busy with?" "The engagement ceremony for your sister and Zane is next month. There's so much to plan. I'm in no state to help her, and Zane is so busy. Everything falls on your sister's shoulders." Kaia smirked inwardly. Engagement ceremony? Who knows if it'll even happen? Everyone at the company knew Zane and Zora were close. There were even rumors that Zora was Zane's childhood crush.They were living out a "childhood sweethearts reunited" story. Kaia believed it too. Darcy had been fawning over Zane for years, and he remained distant. But the moment Zora appeared, she captured his complete attention. That's the power of a first love. Besides, Darcy couldn't compare to Zora in looks, education, or family background. Given the choice, even a blind man would know who to pick! For some reason, this thought made a wide smile spread across Kaia's face. If Darcy gets dumped... Then I won't seem so lacking in comparison. She felt instantly more balanced. Ione, unaware of these thoughts, assumed Kaia was still upset with Darcy."Kaia, have you been very busy lately?" she asked gently, actually wondering why it had taken her so long to visit, but afraid Kaia would take it as criticism. Kaia hesitated. "Yes, I've been quite busy." Being busy currying favor with Dr. Moss counts as being busy. She'd heard Zora was expanding her team and hiring, including for a departmental assistant. Kaia was tired of her current admin role—being ordered around with no room for growth and a pitiful salary. If she could become Zora's assistant, standing by her side, she'd get plenty of attention too. ... Darcy apologized to the group and prepared to leave. "Darcy..." Bram called after her, following her out. She blinked at him. He scratched the back of his head. "I'll walk you down to the lobby."Once downstairs, Darcy waved. "Goodbye." Bram pressed his lips together, finally voicing his thoughts. "Sorry, I didn't tell you earlier about Prof. Reed taking part-time students this year. But... you will apply, right?" Darcy smiled. "Of course." "That's great! If you have any questions, you can always ask me!" He then realized how that sounded—academically, Darcy had always been stronger than him. "Not that you'd probably need my help." Darcy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Of course I will. I just hope you won't find me annoying when I do." As she stepped outside and looked for a taxi, she suddenly spotted two familiar figures approaching. She instinctively ducked behind the nearest car. Zora and Zane, dressed formally, walked toward the entrance. Zora stopped. Zane, confused, stopped too and looked back at her. "What is it?" Zora gave a faint smile, stepped closer, and reached up to adjust his tie. Zane's breath hitched, a jolt running through his chest. "Your tie was crooked." Zora's slender fingers rested on the tie, as if they were touching Zane's heart directly. "There. Let's go in." Zora's smile was perfectly composed, as if fixing a man's tie was the most natural thing in the world. Zane, however, felt his heart pounding wildly. Hidden behind the car, Darcy clenched her fingers unconsciously. This was the first time she had seen Zora up close. She was indeed beautiful—in a sophisticated, elegant, and intellectual way. She looked perfect with Zane. A shame about her being the other woman.She then corrected herself. Zora probably didn't know Zane had a girlfriend. In a way, Zora was a victim too. Zane, the man, was causing pain to two women. He's the real culprithere. Pressing her lips together, Darcy looked away and headed for the curb. Soon, none of this would be her problem anymore. ... When they knocked on the private room door, the students inside were momentarily confused. Zora, however, smiled and greeted them warmly. After a few seconds, a young woman stood up, blushing, and walked over to Zora. "You must be Zora, right? I'm sorry, you're a bit late. Prof. Reed already left."Zora's distant cousin happened to be this student's undergraduate classmate. Hearing Zora wanted to meet Alistair, the cousin had facilitated the introduction. The student thought it was harmless—just an admirer wanting to meet the famous professor—and had privately agreed. She hadn't expected Alistair to leave so quickly, preventing the meeting. Zora was taken aback for a second, then smiled graciously. "That's quite alright. Perhaps another time. It's still an honor to meet all of you today."