Staring at the dazzling array of items in the boutique, Clara made a quick decision. "A wristwatch. "I've met her. She has an intellectual, elegant air about her. She doesn't seem like someone who loves flashy jewelry. A wristwatch can be an accessory and highlight her style." With Clara's discerning eye, she picked a relatively understated and not overly expensive watch. A few days later, Cindy found an excuse to invite Darcy out for dinner. When Darcy saw the well-dressed lady sitting in the private room, her steps faltered. She looked at Cindy in confusion. Cindy pulled out a chair for her. "Darcy, sit down first." Darcy sat. Clara spoke gently, "I heard from Cindy that you like spicy food. I specifically chose this restaurant. All their signature dishes are excellent."Her attitude was friendly, even carrying a hint of trying to please. Darcy pursed her lips, unsure of the purpose of today's dinner. Another trap, or something else? Either way, the attitude this time was miles better than last time. Darcy said, "Alright, thank you for the recommendation, Ms. Silva. Let's order the signature dishes then." With that, she focused on her coffee, quietly waiting for Clara to make the first move. Clara sighed inwardly. The girl really was good. All her fault for being a protective mom, listening to the wrong people, and blaming the wrong person. Although she had been in a high position for a long time, she wasn't one to posture. Since she had decided to apologize sincerely, there was no need for embarrassment. Having made up her mind, Clara stood up and actively poured coffee for Darcy. Now it was Darcy's turn to be stunned. Clara raised her cup. "Ms. Gale, I'd like to apologize to you. Last time, I was in the wrong. I shouldn't have said hurtful things without verifying the facts first. Please forgive me!" Cindy chimed in to explain, "Darcy, I'm sorry too. I only found out recently that my mom went to see you and said some awful things. But she didn't mean to. Someone deliberately misled her. Of course, I'm not making excuses for her. She did mess up. But, could you maybe forgive her since it was her first offense?" Darcy looked at Cindy, whose eyes were glistening, then at Clara, whose face showed honest remorse. Darcy, who was more susceptible to kindness than threats, immediately softened her tough exterior. She blinked. "Alright. Since it was a misunderstanding and you are sincerely apologizing, I accept your apology."With that, their cups clinked, emitting a crisp ting. Seeing Darcy's calm expression and her straightforward, generous manner, Clara regretted her earlier impulsiveness even more. She also found herself liking Darcy more and more. If only she could really become my daughter-in-law... Clara took the carefully chosen gift from her purse and placed it in front of Darcy. "Darcy, you don't mind me calling you that, do you?" Darcy was taken aback for a second. "Not at all." Clara smiled, "This is a token of my sincerity. Please accept it as my apology gift." Before Darcy could refuse, Cindy opened the box for her. A small, exquisite wristwatch was revealed. The watch had a rose-gold dial and hands. The center of the case back was inlaid with five extremely small round diamonds, sparkling brilliantly—understated yet luxurious. Darcy instinctively wanted to refuse. It was too expensive. She couldn't accept it. Clara said, "This is my apology gift. If you refuse to accept it, it means you haven't truly forgiven me in your heart." Darcy bit her lip. "That's not what I meant." "Then accept it." The gift box was pushed back towards her. This— Darcy sighed inwardly. She had no choice but to reluctantly accept it. Delicious, aromatic dishes were served one by one, and soon the trio's attention was captured by the food. The meal was very pleasant. Clara and Darcy cleared up their misunderstanding, and Cindy, the mediator, was all smiles. Before leaving, Clara said with emotion, "Ms. Gale, to be honest, I have no prejudice against social standing. Good character is the most important thing. Chatting with you today, I feel we really hit it off. If you and Jethro like each other, don't worry—I won't interfere. You're young. Do what you want. Don't overthink it." Darcy's hand, holding her cup, paused. She thought for a moment and explained carefully, word by word, "Ms. Silva, you've misunderstood. Mr. Blackwood and I are just boss and employee. We're not actually that close." Clara blinked. Not that close? That's not what her daughter told her. What's going on? The stories don't match? She looked at her daughter in confusion. Cindy's heart sank, too. Wait, now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, it's become "not that close"? On the way back to the company, Cindy complained to Darcy, "Darcy, do you know who misled my mom? It was actually Zane's mother! Not a single person in the Vance family is any good!" Darcy froze for a second. "Oh, so that's the case. But honestly, it doesn't even surprise me—Olena's a total pro at faking it." When Darcy was useful to her, she'd be all sweet and caring. The second she stopped being useful? Olena tossed her aside like garbage. Guess Zane got his mom's personality, huh? "Uh..." Cindy twisted her fingers. "Darcy, you and my brother—there's really nothing going on between you two? Y'know, like..."