Darcy's reaction was within his expectations. Suppressing the immense disappointment, he sighed, "I know you wouldn't distance yourself without reason. Someone must have said something to you. It's fine if you don't want to tell me. I'll find out who it is myself and give you an explanation. "I won't take back my words today. Every decision I make is carefully considered. But rest assured, I won't pressure you to reciprocate." His smile was strained. "Love is about timing. I showed up late, so I've got to work twice as hard." Seeing Darcy still tense, he couldn't bear to say more. Before she resolved her inner conflict, the more he said, the more she'd hurt. So, Jethro subtly changed the subject. "Your lost patent code and data have been recovered. The complete evidence chain is also compiled and sent to your email." The topic shift was too abrupt. It took Darcy a moment to process. Before she could ask, Jethro, eyes smiling, explained the whole process. Finished, he looked down at her. He swallowed and asked carefully, "Would you think I'm overstepping?" Darcy looked up, puzzled. "Why would I? I'm glad someone helped." Since childhood, Darcy had grown accustomed to charging ahead. Influenced by her family background, she matured faster than her peers. As a child, she charged ahead for Kaia, protecting her. As an adult, she charged ahead for Zane, exhausting herself to eliminate risks. Now, finally, someone was charging ahead for her, considering things on her behalf. Only, the person charging ahead for her had just confessed his feelings, and she didn't plan to accept. She pursed her lips. "Thank you. There's a major bid coming up. I'll do my absolute best to win the contract." Jethro was taken aback, understanding she was repaying his help. The light in his eyes dimmed instantly. "Hmm, just do your best." His tone was strained. The rain grew lighter, but it would likely be a while before it stopped completely. With the sky getting darker, neither of them wanted to sit and wait it out anymore. They stood to leave the cave. After a few steps, Jethro noticed Darcy wasn't following. He looked back, puzzled. Only then did he see Darcy's injured ankle—probably from stepping on the rock before taking shelter. Stubborn as ever, she hadn't said a word, just gritted her teeth and walked.Sighing, Jethro returned, handed the umbrella to Darcy, then scooped her up into his arms. Darcy almost gasped. "You—" "I'll carry you. It's faster. You hold the umbrella." Darcy silently lowered her gaze. "Okay." Holding the umbrella, she occasionally reminded him to watch his step. Soon, they emerged from the overgrown trail onto the main stone path. The sky darkened, the mountain shrouded in mist, the path seemingly endless. The church was surely closed by now. Darcy felt a faint sigh within. "I'll come with you tomorrow morning," Jethro, as if reading her thoughts, spoke. Tomorrow morning was still free time. The coach wouldn't return to the city until after lunch. Darcy nodded. "Okay."Walking down the mountain, they unexpectedly encountered Hugo, half-drenched, holding an umbrella. Hugo was utterly exhausted, his face weary. But the second he saw Darcy, his energy snapped back. He rushed to her, full of concern. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" Darcy saw his sweaty forehead and soaked shoulders, her feelings complex. She shook her head. "I'm fine." Only after catching his breath did Hugo notice the men's jacket she wore. Whose it was went without saying. His cold gaze fixed on Jethro, who replied calmly, "It's getting late. Better head down soon." Hugo silently stepped aside, falling in behind Jethro. If Hugo had only suspected before, he was now one hundred percent certain that Jethro's feelings for Darcy were far from mere appreciation.His large hands at his sides clenched silently. By the time they reached the hotel, it was completely dark. The adrenaline crash left Darcy exhausted and drowsy. She skipped dinner and fell asleep. She slept until midnight. Seeing her awake, Cindy immediately brought over a pillow for her back, concerned. "How do you feel? Anything off?" Darcy stretched. "No." She felt much better after sleeping. Glancing at the time on her phone, Darcy was surprised. "It's so late. Why aren't you asleep?" Cindy had been waiting for this. She sat beside the bed, blinking. "How could I sleep? You have no idea how worried my brother was. Kept checking on you, asking if you had a fever." Just then, Cindy's phone buzzed with another message from Jethro."Is she awake? Any symptoms? Tell me immediately if she has a fever."