Bram's briefing had already started. Five minutes in, Darcy received a WhatsApp message. "You really screwed me over." Darcy glanced at Lucian out of the corner of her eye, then calmly typed back, "What do you mean? I didn't do anything." Seeing the message, Lucian shook his head helplessly. He tapped out another message, "Which one do you like?" "What?" Seeing she intended to play dumb, Lucian didn't press further. The sun was bright outside. Lucian's mind wandered, looking out the window. Whichever one she likes, it certainly wouldn't be me.Because I'm already rotten to the core. The briefing went smoothly, ending in under an hour. The investors had no major questions, offering a few words of encouragement before leaving. The others returned to coding and research. Darcy felt a bit lost, unsure what to do next. The patent code and data were gone. She'd tried various recovery methods, all failed. Thinking of that, Darcy said a quick goodbye to Bram and grabbed her bag to head out. She'd decided to go to the police after all. She hadn't expected Hugo to still be there, leaning against his car window, smoking. Seeing Darcy approach, he immediately put out the cigarette. He took a deep breath. "I was away on a business trip. Just got back today." The statement, almost like reporting in, confused Darcy.He can go wherever he wants. Why tell me? I'm nothing to him. "Oh," she replied flatly. Hugo felt a twitch in his brow, his heart sour and bitter, like eating an unripe orange. She didn't care where he'd been or why he hadn't been around. He forced a smile. "You free tonight? I'll take you and Gwen to dinner. She keeps complaining that you work at the same company but haven't had a meal together in ages." He dangled the bait. She might not care about him, but she did like Gwen. It was clear Darcy treated her like a younger sister. Sure enough, at his words, a flicker of struggle crossed Darcy's face, but she still refused. "Please apologize to Gwen for me. I'm busy today. I'll find her myself next week." The smile faded from Hugo's lips. He nodded. "Alright." Darcy thought the conversation was over. She reached for her car door handle, but Hugo unexpectedly asked, "Are you close with Lucian?" Darcy shook her head. "No. We've only met a few times." Only then did Hugo believe Lucian's earlier words were true. He looked at Darcy, his tone serious. "Stay away from him. He's not as good as he seems." Darcy frowned. "Lucian and I have no connection anyway." "Good." With that, they got into their respective cars and drove off. After driving a distance, Hugo received a call. It was from the manager of a bar they frequented. The manager sounded urgent. Zane was drunk, causing a scene in a private room, constantly demanding more alcohol. The manager, fearing trouble, had called Hugo to come get him. When Hugo arrived, Zane had just taken hangover pills and looked slightly more sober. Hugo frowned, sitting down beside him. "Out getting wasted again? Shouldn't you be busy preparing for the engagement?" Zane's eyes were sharp. He leaned in, sniffing Hugo's jacket. Suddenly, his eyes reddened. He grabbed Hugo's collar. "Darcy's scent! Why do you smell like Darcy?!" Darcy disliked big-name perfumes. Zane had bought her many, but she'd given them all to Kaia. She always used a particular, very niche home fragrance. Over time, the scent lingered on her clothes. It was the same scent now on Hugo's jacket. For years, Darcy had never changed it. Zane knew she was a creature of habit. When she liked something, she stuck with it, never switching. Just like she had with him. But now he could smell that same scent on Hugo's jacket. Could it be his best friend was involved with Darcy behind his back? The possibility drove Zane mad. Seeing him suddenly lose it, Hugo felt a wave of irritation. But it wasn't time to reveal his hand yet. At least not until Zane and Zora were officially engaged. Only then could he kill any chance of Zane and Darcy getting back together. Even if that chance was lower than the probability of snow in Aethelburg tomorrow, Hugo still wasn't taking any chances. Clenching his fist at his side, Hugo pried Zane's fingers off his collar and spoke calmly, "I just came from the lab. It was their monthly summary briefing today." Zane froze. Right—Darcy was at the lab. It was inevitable they'd meet. He slowly released his grip, sinking back into the sofa. Hugo poured himself a glass of water and asked, "Shouldn't you be with Zora, preparing for the engagement? Why are you wasting your time here, drunk and acting ridiculous?"