The moment they spotted Darcy, everyone's faces went dark. Olena stepped forward first, pointing at Darcy's nose. "How dare you show your face here! If I were you, I'd be too ashamed! Trying to harm Zora? Next time, find a plausible excuse. You, a lousy undergrad, what patent could you possibly have that's worth Zora stealing! Thankfully Zane didn't marry you, or he'd really be out of luck!" Zane couldn't help but frown, whispering, "Mom, enough." He didn't know what was wrong with him. Hearing others scold Darcy made him deeply uncomfortable. He really wanted to explain to his mother that Darcy wasn't just a "lousy undergrad," her professional skills were outstanding. But she was his own mother. He couldn't speak too harshly. "Anyone with half a brain can see who's framing who. Too bad you're not just blind—you're heart-blind. "Thankfully Darcy didn't marry into your family! A blessed girl doesn't enter an unblessed house!" Cindy rolled up her sleeves and stood in front of Darcy, like a mother hen protecting her chick. Olena was momentarily stunned, looking her up and down. "Who are you?" Zane leaned in and whispered, "The Blackwood heiress, Cindy." Olena's heart jolted. Why is the Blackwood heiress so close to Darcy? Could it be that Darcy really is with the Blackwood heir... No, impossible! A woman our Vance family wouldn't even look at, how could the Blackwoods possibly want her? Still, no matter how sour her mood, Olena couldn't mouth off to Cindy.Zora, silent until now, suddenly offered a gentle smile. "Darcy, I understand you hold a grudge against me. But framing and slandering me is really going too far. I could countersue you, but seeing as we're sisters, I won't hold it against you this time. I hope you learn your lesson and don't make the same mistake again." Her gracious, polished tone won the approval of both Olena and Zane. Olena patted Zora's hand. "Good girl, you're always so understanding and kind-hearted. Unlike some people—ugh, so mean." Zane also felt relieved. Zora was still that girl with principles, tolerance, and kindness. He had misunderstood her recently. He shifted his gaze to Darcy. "You've been going after Zora for a long time. She's letting it go. From now on, stop targeting her. Let's call it even. "If you still can't let it go, if you're still angry, take it out on me!" Truth was, when Zane heard Darcy had targeted and framed Zora, a wicked little joy sparked in him. He hated the cold indifference on Darcy's face. Only when she fought back, even if she cursed at him, could he feel she still cared about him. If Darcy really was angry, he didn't mind playing along. Sometimes when words fail you, you can't help but laugh. Faced with these baseless accusations, Darcy didn't get angry. She smiled instead, quietly watching the performance. When they were finally done, she raised a brow slightly. "Finished?" Her clear gaze settled on Zora, a hint of a sarcastic smile playing at her lips. "Zora, I didn't want to make a big deal of this. But you keep pushing. Fine. Let's wait and see who gets the last laugh.""Exactly! Truth doesn't bend, and lies don't turn real," Cindy snorted. Olena was furious. "Zora isn't settling the score with you, and you dare to threaten her? Look at you, so full of yourself!" She wanted to say more, but Zora gently stopped her, soothing her considerately. "Mrs. Vance, don't let unimportant people upset you." "You're the best, Zora!" Olena sighed again, relieved that Zora would be the one marrying her son. Zora smiled, "Mrs. Vance, you must be tired. Let me walk you to the car." At the station entrance, the two groups parted ways. Zora turned back, glanced at Darcy, and curled her lips into a smug smile. Darcy's hands, hanging at her sides, clenched tightly. Once in the car, the smile vanished from Zora's face.In the back seat, Susan asked with concern, "How were the days in detention? Did anyone mess with you?" Zora shook her head. "No. With you pulling strings, how would they dare? By the way, Mom, the Mercer family—" "Don't worry. I've spoken to the Mercers. Gave them two million dollars in hush money. Mia will just be fined and serve, what, four years? I can work on getting her out early. Compared to two million dollars, they know what's more important. Relax, this ends here. It won't affect you anymore." Zora leaned heavily on her mother's shoulder, letting out a deep sigh of relief. "Good." Suddenly, she thought of something and jerked upright. "Mom, I'm worried about something else. What Cindy and Darcy said just now—I'm afraid they'll dig into my overseas degree and find problems." "Don't worry about that. The contact overseas is absolutely trustworthy. The ones I'm wary of are Jasper and his mom—""Jasper has dirt in my hands. I've already warned him. He wouldn't dare say anything." "Then think again—who else knows about your secrets?"