Not long after Darcy was born, John lost his job. He became arrogant and lazy, refusing to look for work, spending his days drinking with deadbeat friends or playing cards. Later, he met Susan, turned around, and divorced Ione, without ever paying a cent in child support. And now he claimed he'd had "no choice" back then? What a joke! John was momentarily speechless. He dropped the reminiscing and got to the point. "Are you free soon? Zora has been wanting to invite you to dinner. I hear you two were once colleagues. That's perfect—have a meal together, reconnect. After all, you're family now." Hah. Family. Darcy almost laughed out loud at his shameless words.She could never be family with Zora, a homewrecker. Darcy also knew Zora had sent John specifically to disgust her. "Please tell Zora this for me. I have no interest in being family with a woman who faked her degrees and specializes in stealing other people's fiancés." Then, her gaze settled back on John. "And you. Don't come looking for me again. Otherwise, I'll make sure everyone at the Moss Group knows exactly what kind of man their 'Mr. Parker' used to be." John's mind buzzed. Not because of the threat, but because of "faked degrees" and "stealing other people's fiancés." His eyes widened in disbelief. "What are you saying? Zora faked her degrees? Stole someone's fiancé? Darcy, you can't make such accusations without proof! "Zora and Zane grew up together. They're getting engaged in two months. You can't spread rumors!" Speaking of which, he'd remembered. He pulled an invitation from his bag. "Here's their engagement party invitation. You have to come." "I won't be attending. I doubt Zane wants his ex-fiancée at his engagement party either." John froze for a second, then understood. "You mean... you were Zane's..." This—this can't be! "If you don't believe me, ask Zane yourself." Darcy stood and walked out through the revolving doors. Long after she left, John finally snapped out of his daze, his chest tight. He never imagined his two daughters would fall for the same man. But in terms of background, Zora was a much better match for the Vance family. As for Darcy, he could find her a suitable husband elsewhere.There were a few decent single young men at the Moss Group, the cream of the crop among ordinary families. More than good enough for Darcy. ... At noon, the sun was bright and warm, light pouring over her like a gentle blanket, yet Darcy felt a chill for no reason. Some things she could ignore, but that didn't mean repeated blows didn't hurt. She could feel sad. She could feel pain. At times like this, she just wanted to be alone. Not far away, in a black Rolls-Royce, Rowan was about to start the car when he spotted Darcy sitting alone on a bench outside the building through the rearview mirror. Her silhouette looked inexplicably lonely. After the last few incidents, Rowan had a pretty good guess about his boss' feelings for her.He immediately turned into a loyal sidekick. "Mr. Blackwood, isn't that Ms. Gale? Why is she sitting there all alone?" Jethro put down the financial report he was reading and looked up at the rearview mirror. He frowned slightly. He could see something was wrong. After a moment's thought, Jethro called his sister. "Darcy is sitting alone on the bench by the side entrance. She seems upset. Go down and keep her company." Rowan breathed a sigh of relief, grinning broadly. Finally did something right! Boss, praise me! Jethro glanced at his watch and ordered calmly, "After the client meeting, take me to the Hermès boutique. Notify them in advance to reserve a private appointment." Hearing his boss wanted to shop, Rowan volunteered eagerly, "What do you need? I can get it for you. Save you the trip." Jethro shot him a look. "I need to pick out the gift myself." Rowan blinked. Crap. Wrong thing to say again. He shut his mouth and focused on driving. On Cindy's side— She got her brother's call, rushed downstairs, and when she saw Darcy sitting there alone, her heart clenched. "Hey, beauty, might I have the honor of inviting you to lunch?" Darcy turned, saw it was Cindy, and couldn't help but smile. "Sure. But I'm in the mood for something really strong and flavorful. Think you can handle it?" "As long as you're happy, I'm game for anything." At a cozy Italian trattoria, a heaping plate of spicy arrabbiata pasta with sausage and roasted garlic—its sauce rich, fiery, and fragrant—was placed before them. Darcy dug in with gusto. Haven't had such intensely flavored food in ages. Damn, that hit the spot! Across from her, Cindy saw her smile and set down her fork. "So, what happened earlier? You seemed really down."