Thinking of that broad back from yesterday, Cindy's eyes reddened. She honestly didn't get it—why would a man do that? Are they born with that "gift," able to fall for two people at the same time? Jethro sighed, finally telling his sister what had been happening. "What? You're saying Darcy's been avoiding you?" Cindy was shocked. "But why would she?" Jethro shook his head. "I don't know. But I suspect someone spoke to her, said something they shouldn't have." Cindy crossed her arms. "Who would dare speak ill of you behind your back?" Suddenly, something flashed in her mind. Cindy covered her mouth, remembering her mother's strange behavior that day."What is it?" Jethro sensed her hesitation. Wide-eyed, Cindy swallowed and confessed, "Not long ago, Mom suddenly called me, asking if you were seeing someone. I thought it was weird at the time, didn't know why she'd ask." She scratched her head. "But Mom said she just wanted to set you up on a blind date. Besides, Mom isn't the type to be unreasonable. She wouldn't do something to humiliate Darcy, right?" In Cindy's view, her mother was practically the best mother in the world—gentle, strong, considerate, possessing all the best qualities a woman could have. She surely wouldn't do something dramatic like pulling out a checkbook and slapping it in the heroine's face, like in those cheesy novels? But Cindy wasn't entirely sure. The timing was too coincidental. A couple of days after that call, Darcy started distancing herself from her brother... Jethro's eyes darkened, his throat moving slightly.He patted Cindy's head. "Leave this to me. Don't tip off Darcy yet. I'll handle what's between us myself." Cindy nodded firmly. "Okay." The afternoon was free time, meaning they could enjoy the island's activities. But many low-energy people politely declined, preferring to stay in their rooms on their phones. Cindy was one of them. Sprawled on the bed, she declared, "Nothing beats chilling in a hotel room on your phone." Darcy changed into a new outfit—a fitted athletic set. There was a famous mountain on the island. She'd heard about it before coming and planned to hike it. There was also a church at the top, long known for blessing visitors with good health. Darcy was set on picking up a blessed health token from the church for her mom; something simple, like a tiny cross or a prayer card, to wish her well.Ready, she put on a hat, grabbed water, and set off. The mountain wasn't high, so she traveled light. As expected, she was the only one hiking. But she didn't hesitate, taking step by step up the path. Halfway up, she stopped to drink water. Looking up, she saw dark clouds gathering. Her heart sank. The forecast didn't mention rain. She didn't have an umbrella, so she quickened her pace toward the summit. She could take shelter at the church. But the gray sky broke without warning, unleashing a torrential downpour. Though the mountain woods were dense, they couldn't stop the relentless rain. The canvas bag over her head was useless. Darcy was soon drenched. Spotting a small gazebo not far off, she bit her lip and decisively left the main stone path, cutting diagonally through the bushes and rocks. There were no steps there, just dense trees, tangled roots, hidden stones. It was hard going. With the heavy rain blurring her vision, in her haste, Darcy stepped on a slippery rock and slid down the muddy slope... Cindy only learned it was raining from the group chat. She was profoundly grateful she hadn't gone out, or she'd be soaked. But looking around the empty hotel, she suddenly realized. Crap, Darcy's still on the mountain! She immediately called Darcy. The phone rang and rang, but no one answered. She sent messages. After a long wait, still no reply. Seeing the rain intensify outside, Cindy panicked. Her hand trembling, she called Jethro, her voice thick with tears. "Jethro, it's bad! Darcy went hiking this afternoon without an umbrella. I can't reach her!" Jethro's eyes widened. He immediately went downstairs, got an umbrella from the front desk, and rushed toward the mountain. Cindy tried to follow, but Zephyr stopped her. His expression gentle, he coaxed her, "Jethro can handle it. If you go too and something happens, who would he look after?" Cindy pouted, tears spilling over. "But I'm so worried! What if something happened to Darcy?" She regretted it deeply. "I should have gone with her." Zephyr pulled her into a hug, patting her back. "It's okay. Don't worry. Ms. Gale will be fine." "What happened to Darcy?" A cold, deep voice came from behind. Cindy looked over. It was Hugo.