Silence descended on the office, leaving only Zora and Lucian. He hadn't spoken during the entire meeting, and Zora assumed he was still sulking about her earlier remarks. Lucian finally spoke, his voice casual, "Does Zane know about your decision?" "Such a minor matter needs his input? We're getting engaged tomorrow. The company is partly mine now. My decision is his decision. Besides, you heard him last night. 'Follow Dr. Moss' lead.'" Lucian gave a soft laugh. "Let's hope so." "Of course it is!" Zora snapped. She shifted gears. "Speaking of which, how are things progressing with the IPO preparations you're overseeing?" Lucian raised a brow slightly. "Auditors, lawyers, the investment bank—all moving forward smoothly. If all goes well, we could submit the application by year-end."Year-end was still months away. To Zora, that pace felt slow. But if everything stayed smooth, she could live with it. "I have to remind you," Lucian added, his tone turning serious, "the Voyager project is critical. It will be a key factor in the IPO." "I know that," Zora said impatiently. "That's why I'm hiring at any cost to keep it on track." A faint smile touched Lucian's lips. "At any cost" was exactly what he wanted to hear. His mission accomplished, he turned to leave. "Wait," Zora called out. Her gaze lingered on him, taking in his handsome, roguishly indifferent face—the very qualities that had once captivated her. "I'm getting engaged tomorrow. This is for you." She held out an invitation. Lucian looked down at it.Zora offered a charming smile. "I've been so busy sending these out, I nearly forgot yours." Lucian took it without a word, tucking it away. "You will come, won't you?" she asked again as he reached the door. He turned, waving the invitation. "Wouldn't miss it." A front-row seat to the drama? Absolutely. The following day was the Vance-Moss engagement. Both families, especially the Vances, held significant sway in Aethelburg's high society. Many of the city's elite would attend. The Blackwoods were no exception. Cindy waved her invitation at Darcy, pledging her loyalty. "Don't worry, Darcy! Jethro and I are just making a token appearance. We won't stay long." She tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Just long enough to deliver my big gift to Zane." Darcy hadn't paid that much mind. Her grudges with Zane and Zora were her business. She wasn't the type to force everyone around her to cut ties with the two families. But Cindy's mention of a "gift" piqued her interest. "What are you planning?" Cindy snapped her fingers. "Tomorrow, I'll start by stirring the pot with some rumors. Then, in the evening, I'll release a few choice pieces of evidence." Darcy's thoughts turned to their earlier investigation. "Last time, you mentioned Zora had a man by her side for years abroad. Did you ever identify him?" Cindy's expression turned complicated. "We did, but—" She rummaged in her bag and pulled out a few photographs. "He's very careful and smart. Wore a mask most of the time he was with her. Only let his guard down when in high-end, private places." Darcy took the photos. Though only a side profile was visible, she was almost certain the man was Lucian.Her heart sank, her fingers tightening on the glossy paper. She and Lucian had exchanged occasional messages lately, discussing industry trends and the latest government policies. It felt like a genuine connection with a like-minded peer. A part of her had desperately wanted to ask him if he was the man behind Zora. But he never had the courage. Now, with confirmation, a profound sense of loss washed over her—the loss of a potential friend who shared her wavelength. Tomorrow was Saturday, so as quitting time hit, plenty of people had already slipped out. Darcy was no exception. Just as she switched off her office light, she noticed Gwen at her workstation, repeatedly glancing her way. "Gwen? Is something wrong?" Caught, Gwen looked flustered. "No, no! Nothing, Darcy. Bye!""Okay, you head home soon," Darcy replied. Once Darcy stepped into the elevator, Gwen hunched over her computer, her fingers flying across the keyboard. Outside, the early June evening was warm, but a pleasant breeze drifted through the city streets. Her car was in for service, and with no work tomorrow, Darcy was in no hurry. She walked leisurely through the lobby and out the revolving doors. She was debating between the subway and a ride-share when a familiar G-Wagon pulled up. Hugo stepped out, a smile on his face as he approached. "What a coincidence! No car today? Rush hour's a nightmare for cabs. Let me give you a lift." His smile widened. "I also picked up more of those supplements your mom mentioned were helpful yesterday. I can drop them off on my way." Darcy stopped in her tracks. What a coincidence indeed. For him to just happen to be right outside her office building? It didn't take a genius to see through the clumsy excuse.