Note to self—never lie. She was relieved Darcy hadn't pushed further on her somewhat evasive answer about the fees. Darcy extended her hand. "Thank you for all your help, Ms. Hayes. If there's ever anything I can do, please don't hesitate to reach out." After their interactions, Mara had developed a genuine respect for Darcy. Ambitious, capable women who fought their own battles were rare in their circles. She felt a certain kinship with her. She decided to be generous and play wingman for the pair. "Ms. Gale, I'm not one for gossip," Mara began, a knowing look in her eye. "But from an outsider's perspective, Mr. Blackwood treats you exceptionally well." As she said it, the last lingering spark of her own crush on Jethro fizzled out completely.So what if he's handsome, rich, and surprisingly gentle? There are other fish in the sea! A faint blush colored Darcy's cheeks, her lashes fluttering slightly. "I—" "No pressure," Mara said quickly, patting her shoulder. "Just an observation. Don't overthink it." With a final smile, she got into her car and drove away. Once back at her office, Mara immediately sent a message to Jethro, all business. "Case closed perfectly. Please wire the remaining 90% of the fee to my bank account. Thank you." She added a second message, "Rest assured, I said nothing to Ms. Gale. My lips are sealed." The reply was almost instantaneous. "Transfer completed. Please confirm. Thank you." Tsk. So formal and cold. Mara sent back a simple "OK." With the five million in child support in hand, Darcy finally told her mom. That evening, they went to a fine dining restaurant for a celebratory dinner. Ione was still shaken. "You silly girl! Going after him for child support all on your own! That man has no principles. What if he'd gotten violent?" Darcy smiled, placing a choice piece of steak on her mother's plate. "But he didn't. And I knew he wouldn't. John is all about his image. A public lawsuit was the last thing he wanted." Ione sighed, "I'll put this five million all in savings. For your wedding, or a down payment on a house. Whatever you need." Darcy shook her head firmly. "That's child support. It's yours. Keep it for your retirement. As for my wedding, that's not even on the horizon." Hearing her daughter dismiss the idea of marriage, Ione's expression shifted. Thinking how she hadn't seen Hugo lately, she probed, "Haven't seen Hugo in a while. He said he'd come visit me.""Mom—" Darcy sighed. "I don't like Hugo that way." "But he's such a good guy!" Ione insisted. "You're strong-willed. He's gentle and considerate—he could take care of you. I'm not getting any younger, and my health isn't what it used to be. If I knew someone like him was by your side, I could rest easy." "Mom, you're in perfectly good health. Don't talk like that." Besides, being gentle and caring wasn't a trait exclusive to Hugo. Darcy excused herself to go to the restroom, hoping to give her mother a moment to let the topic go. As fate would have it, when she stepped out of the restroom, she literally bumped into the man they'd just been discussing. Is this what they mean by "speak of the devil"? Hugo had been stuck out of town on an extended business trip. After the blowout argument with his parents, his father had essentially exiled him, decreeing he couldn't return until he turned the struggling regional branch around. Luckily, Hugo had the chops. With round-the-clock work, the branch finally started to climb. He could come back with his head held high—and see the person he thought about day and night. He'd just landed and was planning to visit Darcy when a call from Ines diverted him. "Hugo! Zane's engagement party is the day after tomorrow. I'm throwing him a bachelor party. You have to come!" The address and a strict "no excuses" order followed. Reluctantly, Hugo agreed to show his face first. He'd planned to visit the Gales the next day. He never expected luck—or fate—to intervene so directly. A smile spread across his face as he hurried over. "Darcy! It's been a while. Here for dinner with friends?"Darcy gave a polite nod. "With my mom." "Your mom's here too? I haven't seen her in ages. Would it be alright if I said hello?" His last visit had taught him that Ione was firmly in his corner. She was an excellent ally, and he wasn't about to miss a chance to score points. But Darcy's expression turned serious. "Sorry. Not a good time." Her direct refusal took him aback. He recovered with a soft laugh. "Don't misunderstand. It's just a quick hello." They were still in this awkward back-and-forth when Ines came looking for him. "Hugo, did you fall in? What's taking so long?" Ines called out, his voice carrying down the hall. A mischievous grin spread across his face. "Don't tell me you've got hemorrhoids from sitting in all those meetings!"