"Alright, let's get some rest. Don't be so impulsive next time," Darcy said, patting Cindy on the shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. Lesson learned," Cindy replied with a grin. "I get it." Under the bright moonlight, some slept soundly, while others tossed and turned, unable to find peace. Ines took a direct flight back to Aethelburg that very night. The moment he landed, he called Zora. "Zora, do you know where Kaia is these days? I didn't see her at the last company retreat." Jolted awake, Zora barely suppressed a curse. "She put in her notice before the retreat. Said she wasn't feeling well. Why? Do you need her for something?" she asked impatiently. Ines gave a short, humorless laugh. "No reason. Sorry to wake you."As his finger moved to end the call, Zora called out his name. She yawned loudly. "Ines, even if you're that desperate, please open your eyes and stop sleeping with just anyone. Kaia is practically public property at this point, okay?" "I know," Ines replied tersely. "Get some sleep. You and Zane have been swamped with engagement stuff lately. Let's all hang out once you're free." Outside his car window, the night was pitch black, the early morning streets deserted. A sudden wave of nostalgia hit him. "It feels like the four of us haven't properly hung out in ages." The driver in the front seat, seeing he'd put his phone away, asked, "Mr. Cross, are we heading home?" A cold gleam entered Ines' eyes. "Yes. Home." When he arrived, Wendy was already asleep, with only a maid waiting in the living room. The maid hurried forward to take his coat and then fetched him a glass of water from the kitchen. Ines studied her for a moment. "Has everything been okay here lately? Has anyone come looking for me?" The maid's eyes flickered nervously, her hands fidgeting. "I... I wouldn't know. I'm always in the kitchen. I don't hear much about what happens outside." Ines said nothing more and headed up to his bedroom on the second floor. The next morning, Wendy was startled to see her son come downstairs. "When did you get back?" Ines raised an eyebrow. "Last night. What, not happy to see me?" "Of course I am!" Wendy recovered quickly. "I thought your business trip would keep you away for a while. I didn't expect you back so soon." "The project's going smoothly. And with Zane and Zora's engagement coming up, I thought I'd come back and see if I could help." At the mention of the engagement, Wendy's expression turned exasperated. "Look at them! Dating, getting engaged, everything in perfect order. And then look at you! I've arranged so many dates for you, and you haven't liked a single one!" The thought truly infuriated her. I've been putting up with Kaia's tantrums, treating her like a queen with the best food and comforts. All to keep her from ruining your dates! And what's the result? Not one successful match! She could just scream. But it wasn't just that. Wendy had a private, selfish thought. If her son was determined to remain a bachelor his whole life, never settling down, then maybe Kaia's baby wasn't such a bad thing to keep. It was, after all, Cross family blood. Outwardly, she could claim it was a child she adopted. That way, even if Ines never married, the family line would continue. So her attitude toward Kaia was messy—wanting this and that, unable to make up her mind. She hadn't had a full night's sleep in weeks! No. I can't keep going like this. I'll drive myself into an early grave before I even see my grandchild. Wendy made a decision. The baby would stay. Today, she would personally negotiate with Kaia. Marriage to her son? Absolutely not. But money? She could be flexible. Fifty million dollars was steep, but they could negotiate down. It wasn't impossible. Ines sat at the long dining table, silently observing the parade of emotions on his mother's face. He ate his breakfast without saying a word. Preoccupied, Wendy didn't notice his unusual quietness. After breakfast, she had the butler drive her to the big downtown condo. Anxious, she failed to notice the car that had been following them since they left the manor. She took the elevator to the tenth floor and knocked. Kaia looked shocked to see Wendy. What's this old bat doing here? She wouldn't see me no matter how much I begged before, and now she shows up on her own. How odd. A maid from the Cross Villa, assigned to care for Kaia, opened the door. Wendy walked in to find Kaia lounging on the sofa, watching TV. Kaia merely lifted an eyelid at her entrance and drawled, "Well, look who's here. Finally decided to let your precious son marry me?" Wendy swept a disgusted look over the coffee table—half-eaten chips, instant noodles, spicy snacks, sodas... Her mouth twitched. Nothing but junk food! "I've told you before! Stop eating this worthless garbage! There's a maid here! Tell her what you want to eat, and she'll make it!" Wendy pinched her nose in distaste, directing the maid to clear away the trash. Kaia shrugged, a smug smile playing on her lips. "What can I do? Your grandbaby just loves this 'garbage'. I'm just giving the little one what it wants."