The mocking laughter died the moment Ines laid eyes on Darcy. "Ugh. What lousy luck," he muttered under his breath, but seeing the lovesick look on Hugo's face sparked real irritation. There are so many society girls in Aethelburg, debutantes, heiresses... hell, even actresses or influencers. Hugo could have his pick with a snap of his fingers. Why does it have to be this nobody? Hugo ignored his friend's jibe, his gaze locked on Darcy. When Darcy kept her head down and headed for the private room, Hugo stopped paying Ines any mind and tailed her like a little shadow. Ines lit a cigarette, leaning against the wall with a muttered curse. "The moment he sees her, he loses his damn mind. Has she put some spell on him? Damn it, the internet's right—men are pathetic!""Who's pathetic?" a cool voice asked from behind him. Zane had appeared without a sound. Ines, with a mouthful of un-exhaled smoke, choked violently. "Cough! Cough!" He glanced nervously down the hall. Hugo and Darcy were long gone. Relieved, he slipped back into his usual casual slouch. "Ah, no one. Just thinking out loud. I'm heading back up." "Where's Hugo? I thought you went to find him," Zane asked, eyeing him curiously. Ines waved a dismissive hand. "...He's dealing with a flare-up. You know. Hemorrhoids." Zane moved past him toward the men's room, but Ines grabbed his arm, steering him away. He couldn't risk his lie being exposed. "This one's full. Use the one upstairs." Zane just stared at him. Hugo followed Darcy all the way to her private dining room. Seeing no way out, she reluctantly agreed to let him say hello."Hugo! I was just saying I hadn't seen you in forever!" Ione exclaimed, genuinely delighted. Hugo took the seat next to Darcy with a warm smile. "Just got back today. I was planning to visit, but a friend dragged me to a gathering. What a lucky coincidence." Ione beamed, her meaning clear. "Coincidences like that must mean something." Hugo glanced sideways at Darcy. "I hope so." He and Ione launched into an effortless conversation, leaving Darcy little room to interject. Anyone watching would think he's her son. As the evening grew late, Darcy gave a soft cough. "Mom, it's getting late. We should head home." Ione was reluctant, but remembering Hugo had friends waiting, she sighed, "Hugo, dear, come by the house whenever you're free next. I'll make all your favorite dishes." "Thank you. I'd love that.""Don't thank me! You're the one who brought me that lovely gift last time. I still haven't properly thanked you." "If you liked it, I'll bring more next time." Darcy felt a headache coming on. When will this end? She turned to Hugo, her tone polite but distant. "Mr. Sterling, your friends must be waiting. We won't keep you any longer." The message was clear—You can go now. Hugo's lips pressed together. He looked at Darcy, the word "Okay" forming on his lips when Ione cut in. "Darcy, what kind of attitude is that? Hugo, if you're not too busy, could you walk me to the parking garage?" "Sure, I'm not busy." Hugo seized the chance and nodded at once. Darcy was speechless. Sighing inwardly, she turned to gather her purse and coat, but Hugo was faster."Let me." Darcy froze, finding his action intrusive. They weren't even friends, not really. And more importantly, she had already made up her mind. Hugo's attentiveness now felt increasingly awkward and misplaced. Even Ione's gentle protests couldn't stop her. Darcy insisted on carrying her own things. Finally, Hugo relented. They walked to the parking garage, Hugo and Ione chatting animatedly in the lead, Darcy trailing behind in silence, feeling utterly deflated. At the car, she finally found her voice. "Thank you. You can go back now." Hugo just smiled, "It's no trouble. Let me help your mom into the passenger seat." Once everything was settled, he bent down, waving through the window. "Bye, Mrs. Gale, Darcy. I'll visit in a couple of days."Hearing that, Ione lit up, saying "great" three times. Darcy gave no response. Fine. Let him come. I'll just make sure I'm never home for dinner this week. Hugo stood on the curb, watching quietly until the car vanished from sight. Then he turned. Suddenly, he halted, eyes fixed ahead. By the wall at the entrance, Zane smoked into the wind. Smoke curled thick, masking his expression. Hugo took a long breath, strode up in a few steps, and stopped in front of him. "Need some air?"