On the other end of the line, Kaia forced a cheerful note into her voice. "Darcy, this is my new number. I don't use the old one anymore." "Okay," Darcy replied softly, still guarded. Holding the phone tightly, Kaia ventured carefully, "It's been... a long time since we saw each other. Are you free tomorrow? I want... I want to see you." Her nose stung with unshed tears. She pressed on, "I'm getting married. I'd like to see you before then." Surprised, Darcy paused for a moment before agreeing. "Okay. I'm free at five tomorrow afternoon." The next day, at the appointed time, they met at a trendy bakery downtown—the kind of place Kaia used to be obsessed with. Darcy arrived to find Kaia already seated, a small table of pastries ordered. "I got you coffee and the lemon muffin you used to love," Kaia said, pushing the plate towards Darcy as she sat down, her eyes hopeful. "Try it. It's their signature." Darcy glanced down at the plate. Truth was, she didn't care for this sugary stuff anymore. "What did you want to talk about?" she asked, deftly changing the subject. A sad smile touched Kaia's lips. So she doesn't like lemon muffins anymore. When did that change? Probably long before we fell out. I just never paid enough attention. Kaia took a deep breath. When she looked up again, her eyes were brimming with tears. "Darcy, I'm sorry. I owe you and your mom an apology. I know how deeply I hurt you both. I was wrong. So terribly wrong... "I'm not saying this to ask for forgiveness. What I did—I don't deserve it. I just... I just think I should apologize to you face-to-face. I'm sorry. I truly am."By the end, she was sobbing quietly. Darcy watched her, a complex mix of emotions swirling in her eyes—surprise, bitterness, a pang of old hurt, and a faint glimmer of something like relief. She'd noticed Kaia's belly was flat. That baby must be gone. Kaia had clearly been through things. She didn't ask about the details. Instead, she asked, "The marriage you mentioned on the phone—what's that about?" She chose her words carefully. "Is it with Ines?" Kaia wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "No. The Larks arranged a match for me with someone else." Darcy was silent for a long moment. Then she said simply, "Congratulations, then." She didn't press about who the groom was or whether Kaia was willing. Kaia bit her lip hard.She suddenly remembered when she'd started dating her first boyfriend in college. Both Darcy and Ione had been so worried, asking endless questions about his character, his family, his intentions—practically investigating his entire family tree. Now, she was getting married, and the response was a distant, polite "congratulations." It wasn't supposed to be like this between them. But some things, once broken, could never be fully mended. An awkward silence stretched between them. Staying longer would only be painful. Darcy stood to leave. Kaia paid the bill and walked out with her. Just as Darcy was about to get into her car, Kaia grabbed her wrist. "Darcy, I almost forgot. You have to be careful of Zora. And that man around her, Lucian." Darcy frowned. "Lucian?" "Yes. There's something between them. I've seen them together a few times. Just, please, be careful. I'm sure they're up to no good." As she drove away, Darcy replayed Kaia's warning. Lucian... could he be the man who was with Zora abroad? The thought unsettled her. On the way back, Kaia's phone pinged with an incoming deposit. It was a transfer from Darcy, with a note. "Congratulations on your wedding in advance." Kaia's eyes went red again. ... Meanwhile, at Moss Group— After reaching a tentative agreement with Mara, John was consumed by one overwhelming task—getting the money. Five million dollars. Five-freaking-million dollar! Where am I supposed to get that much?! Desperate, he went to Susan, asking for his salary over the years.He was met with a torrent of abuse. "All these years, you've eaten our food, lived in our house, spent our money! Your salary barely covered your expenses! What extra money?!" John stammered, "Then... can I get an advance on the next ten years?" Susan's eyes narrowed. "So you plan to live on air for a decade? Don't think I'm stupid, John. I know exactly why you want the money. To pay off that girl? Figure out a way to do it without cash!" John thought bitterly. What way? He couldn't even get a glimpse of Darcy. Last time he went, they tossed him in a holding cell for three days. Susan was a dead end. He had to think of something else. He considered asking subordinates or colleagues for a loan, but his pride wouldn't allow it. For years, he'd held the title of Vice President, but he knew the whispers behind his back. They said he was a grown man who married into the Moss family and rode a woman's coattails to the top.