Cindy turned her face away, mumbling, "Men and women should keep some distance." Clara didn't think much of it and continued, "I think Zephyr is solid. Even though he doesn't work for the Knight Group, his character and looks are top-notch. I've watched him grow up, and I know him well. Would you be willing to marry him?" Cindy thought it was ridiculous. What is this, an arranged marriage? No way! I haven't even been in love yet! So she refused without hesitation. "I won't marry him!" "Mr. Knight, why didn't you say you were here? We almost bumped into you!" the butler apologized at the door. Cindy looked over. Zephyr's deep eyes met hers. Clara shot her daughter a look and smiled warmly as she went to greet him. "Zephyr, when did you arrive?" She wasn't sure if he'd heard what Cindy said. Zephyr was his usual gentle, refined self. "Just now." Clara breathed a sigh of relief. Good—maybe he didn't hear. Both families did want to set the two of them up, but whether it would work depended on the kids. They couldn't force it. "My mom asked me to bring this. It's great for boosting energy and blood." Zephyr handed Clara a package of high-quality herbs. Clara ushered him in. "Your mom's so thoughtful. Come, sit. What would you like to drink? I'll have the maid prepare it." Zephyr's gaze lingered on the woman on the sofa who kept her head down, not daring to look up again. He smiled gently. "No need. Don't trouble yourself. I'm heading back." "Alright. Give your mom my best." Clara handed the herbs to a maid, then glared at her daughter. "Cindy, see Zephyr out." Cindy's mind went blank. She hadn't expected to be involved. She resisted. "It's just a few steps. No need to see him out, right, Zeph?" Zeph— Hearing the nickname after so many years, Zephyr felt a momentary daze. His long leg, about to step away, seemed rooted to the spot. He stood perfectly still at the doorway. Cindy stared, even forgetting the glass in her hand. Huh? What's he doing? Does he actually want me to walk him out? She felt awkward inside. Ever since that night, facing Zephyr alone always made her feel uneasy. They were both adults. A one-night stand was normal.But she was more of a coward than she'd thought. Even making eye contact made her feel guilty. "Cindy, see Zephyr out." Clara pulled her daughter up from the sofa, shooting her a meaningful look. Too bad Cindy pretended not to get it. She pouted. "Mom, your eye is twitching. You should see a doctor tomorrow." Clara was furious. She poked Cindy's forehead. "Your brother worries me sick, and now you're doing the same!" Distraught, Cindy didn't pick up on the deeper meaning in her mother's words. She just threw on a jacket and headed for the door. Spring nights were alive. The upscale neighborhood was lush with greenery, and the distant calls of birds and insects filled the air. "Is your brother not home?" Zephyr was the first to break the silence between them. "No. He took Darcy home. Probably on his way back now," Cindy replied listlessly. Zephyr stopped in surprise. "Jethro and Ms. Gale—are they together?" "No. But I really wish Darcy could be my sister-in-law." "Hmm, I think Ms. Gale is great too. Though I heard she had some unpleasant history with Mr. Vance from SummitCore." "Oh, that's all in the past. Darcy's moved on." "That's good." They could manage a few sentences when it came to other people's gossip. But beyond that, there seemed to be nothing left to say. The silence returned. Cindy glanced at the villa entrance not far ahead. "I'll leave you here. I won't see you out any further."Afraid it sounded too abrupt, she added two polite words—"Good night." Under the dim yellow streetlight, Zephyr's deep eyes fixed on her. After a long pause, he sighed, "Cindy, about that night—" "I didn't take it to heart. It wasn't my first time. You don't need to worry about it either. I don't need you to be responsible." Cindy looked down, forcing a smile. Zephyr's face instantly turned ashen, his jaw tightening. His lips curved into a mocking smile. "Yeah? After a few years, you got real open-minded." Cindy turned her back, her heart aching. Not just a few years. A whole decade. But she kept her tone breezy. "We're adults. A one-night stand is no big deal." She might appear nonchalant on the surface, but only she knew she was all talk. That night had actually been her first time. She'd been terrified.Her hand in her pocket clenched into a fist. No. Zephyr can't know it was my first time. He'd laugh at me for sure. Zephyr gritted his teeth. "Anyone listening would think you do one-night stands all the time." He strode toward the villa entrance, but after a few steps, he turned back. Cindy stared at him blankly as he said coldly, "I'm not like you, Ms. Blackwood. That night was my first time."