Zora's experience abroad had been handled extremely cleanly by her and her mother. The people who knew the truth and the inside story could be counted on one hand. Zora blinked. "There's one more person." She smiled, "But that person's not a threat. His sister is in my hands. I know better than anyone how much he cares for her." Back home, Zora went straight to the study and called Lucian. Lucian's lazy voice came through. "Yeah? What's up? It's Monday. Neither of you two is at the company. Off having an affair?" Zora was annoyed but long used to his sharp tongue and let it slide. She covered the receiver. "The code and data I gave you last time. Keep it for now. Don't apply for the patent yet." Lucian lazily propped up his long legs. "What, did you steal this? Is the real owner coming after you now?" "Shut up!" Zora gritted her teeth. "It's not stolen! Don't talk nonsense! Just do as I say, no more questions!" "Okay, got it." After hanging up, Lucian tapped open his phone's built-in recording function. The conversation just now played back clearly from the speaker. He silently curled the corner of his lips. ... The Vance and Moss families used their influence to keep the scandal within a small circle. Hugo, who found out about it from somewhere, couldn't rush back immediately as he was still on a business trip out of town. He could only call to ask about the situation. Compared to Zora, he trusted Darcy more. His heart ached for her, and he couldn't help but offer comfort.Darcy's emotions had already calmed. She said calmly, "I'm fine now. Thank you for your concern." A bitter taste rose in Hugo's chest. He could clearly feel Darcy intentionally pushing him further and further away. "Darcy," he said, "no matter what, I believe you. I stand on your side." His voice thinned to a tremor. "Could you please not—" Not push me away. Darcy was silent for a moment. Then her apologetic voice came through. "I'm sorry, something's come up. I have to go." Hugo's heart sank, like it cracked right down the middle. But stuck on a business trip, with his father keeping a close watch, there was nothing he could do. He wanted to fly to her side but couldn't. So, he had to ask Gwen to look after Darcy properly.Following his orders, Gwen invited Darcy out after work that very day. "Darcy, we haven't gone out just the two of us in forever. Wanna try that murder-mystery Werewolf game everyone's raving about?" "Sure." After work, Darcy waited by the car for Gwen. They'd grab dinner first, then hit the game. Gwen rushed over excitedly, but when she opened the passenger door, her world collapsed. Why was Cindy here?! With her recent vague understanding, Gwen's sharp senses told her she and Cindy were in some kind of competition. Not because they liked the same guy—no. They both wanted Darcy to be their sister-in-law. Gwen's alert level shot to the max. "Cindy, you're coming too?" "Yep. But what's with that face? Can't I go?" Cindy patted her head, treating her like a little sister. Gwen plastered on a grin, though her stomach soured. "Of course you can." The three of them drove straight to a trendy restaurant. Thanks to Cindy's connections, they skipped the line and went straight to a private room. The creamy, savory, and indulgent cheese fondue had all three wiping their brows, yet grinning from ear to ear. Hearty, flavor-packed food truly is the best stress reliever. "Wow, so satisfying! After eating this, life has no worries," Darcy said, beaming. Cindy knew she'd been in a bad mood lately, especially after finally catching that bitch Zora red-handed, only to have her slip away, and being slandered in return. "Don't worry. I've noted down all your grievances in my little book. Within a month, I'll get your revenge twice over for you!"Gwen also nodded along. Although she didn't know the specifics, from her cousin's tone, she guessed Darcy had some kind of feud with someone. Even without knowing who, Gwen believed that person was definitely no good! Cindy narrowed her eyes at her. "Do you even know who we're talking about? Nodding along like that." Gwen blinked innocent eyes. "I don't know. But no matter who it is, I definitely believe Darcy. I'll always stand behind Darcy. I swear to protect Darcy with my life!" So cringey. But also weirdly inspiring. Darcy wanted to laugh, but a warm rush filled her chest. She and Gwen hadn't known each other long, yet Gwen could believe in her unconditionally. Cindy smiled and pinched her chubby little cheek. "Your cousin runs with that crowd, but you're not half bad. Big eyes do have an advantage—you see people clearly." That crowd? My cousin's childhood friends? Gwen fell silent for a moment, understanding dawning. It must be related to Darcy's ex.