"What? John is actually..." Zane instinctively turned to look at Darcy. Over their past seven years together, he'd wondered about Darcy's father. But every time he asked, she either stayed silent or said he was "long gone." So Zane always thought the man was literally dead. Turns out, she'd just been speaking in anger. He never imagined that John was Darcy's biological father. Just last weekend, the man had grasped his hand firmly, saying he was entrusting his daughter to him, urging him to be good to her. But he hadn't meant his biological daughter, Darcy. He meant his stepdaughter, Zora. How absurd! John was known in their circles as a man who married into the Moss family. People whispered behind his back, calling him a gold-digger who abandoned his wife and child for wealth and status. Darcy must have had a tough childhood. The struggles of a single-parent home—he understood that better than anyone. The thought felt like a sharp blade twisting in his chest, making him flinch. Darcy's face was predictably stormy. It wasn't because of Zora's thinly veiled gloating. It was the sheer disgust of being linked to John in any way. She frowned, her tone icy. "Don't claim kinship. John has nothing to do with the Gale family. If you want a sister, tell your mother and John to make one for you." Zora's face flushed with anger. Just then, someone approached Zane to say hello. Shooting Darcy a complicated look, Zane moved aside to talk. Darcy had no interest in dealing with Zora either. She set down her champagne flute and headed toward the restrooms. But Zora wasn't about to let her go. She followed close behind, eager to gloat. "You probably haven't heard. Zane and I are getting engaged." The woman in front paused. A triumphant smile spread across Zora's lips, while cold laughter bubbled inside. Still can't let go! Acting all aloof, but you're still pining for him, aren't you?! Too bad. He's my fiancé now. I won't allow any third party to butt in—not even in their head. Zora caught up, positioning herself in front of Darcy. She slowly raised her hand, deliberately flashing the blindingly sparkly diamond ring. "He gave me this engagement ring. Beautiful, isn't it? So shiny." Like a brand ambassador, Zora waved her left hand with the ring, making sure it caught the light from every angle. Darcy's gaze was fixed on the ring. Zora was thrilled. A powerful sense of vengeance washed over her. Go on, take a good look. See how the man who almost became your fiancé ended up at my feet. But she wasn't done. She wanted to twist the knife deeper. "Our families have discussed it. We'll have the engagement party in two months and get our marriage license by year's end. I'll have an invitation sent to you. "After all, you spent years with him. I'm sure you'd love to see how happy he'll be. Besides, you're my sister. By all rights, you should be there." Darcy finally looked away. Her voice was flat. "Don't bother sending an invitation. Trying to get a wedding gift out of me? Not a chance." With that, she walked past Zora without another glance. Strangely, Zora wasn't angered. Darcy's refusal only proved how hurt she was right now. And the more Darcy hurt, the happier Zora felt."You don't have to give a gift. As long as you show up, Zane and I will be thrilled." Darcy stopped again. Zora's red lips curved. "After all, receiving his ex's blessing would make him so very happy." Darcy's eyes lowered, once more drawn to the ring on Zora's hand. "What? You like it?" Zora noticed. Darcy seemed oddly fixated on it, looking at it several times. Of course. It's something she desperately wanted but could never have. Zora took off the ring, her tone condescending. "If you like it that much, try it on." Darcy didn't take it. But the movement gave her a clear view of the inscription inside the band. What was once suspicion was now almost certain. "What, too proud? It's fine, just try it. Get it out of your system. After all, a ring worth over a million dollars—you'll never get to wear one like this again," Zora mocked. Darcy smiled, "There seem to be two initials inside the ring." Zora looked down. Indeed, there were—DG. "You're such a bumpkin. That's a brand serial number. Some diamond rings are sold to only one person in a lifetime, you know." "Is that so?" Darcy's smile widened. "I thought they were my initials." Buzz— A deafening hum filled Zora's head. She froze like a wax statue, unable to move. Her fingers frantically rubbed the inscription inside the band, trying to see the letters clearly. It can't be DG, right? No way it is! Darcy's just messing with me! But the more she rubbed, the clearer the letters became. DG—the initials for Darcy Gale. Zora was on the verge of breaking.The thought that Zane had proposed to her with a ring originally meant for Darcy made her want to kill someone.