Zora's face had regained its composure, but her fists were still clenched so tightly her knuckles were white. She gritted her teeth. "He never forgot about Darcy. How am I supposed to just accept that?" Ines was stunned. Zane never got over Darcy? How is that possible? Back when they were all together, he'd never seemed particularly devoted to her. Why would he still be hung up on her after all this time? Could Zora just be jealous and overthinking things? He tried to reason with her. "How can you be sure? It doesn't make sense. Zane has always been more attentive to you." "He's called out her name in his sleep. More than once!" Zora spat. Ines was speechless. Well. That's...He lowered his gaze, having nothing to add. So that's why Zora made those pointed remarks in front of Darcy earlier. She's desperately trying to prove—to everyone, but mostly to herself—that she and Zane are in love, that they're happier than Darcy ever was. People always try hardest to prove what they lack the most. Ines walked to the balcony and lit a cigarette, holding it between his fingers. He stood by the window, replaying memories of the four of them growing up together. They'd been so close. And now they'd come to this crossroads. Everything had changed. And it was all Darcy's fault. His expression turned icy, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. In the ballroom, Hugo had settled Darcy and Ione at their table. He poured Ione a glass of water. "Ms. Gale, please relax here. If you need anything, just have Darcy find me." Ione smiled warmly, "Thank you, Hugo. You're always so considerate." "Of course. It's no trouble at all," he replied with an easy smile. His gaze then drifted meaningfully toward Darcy. Ione caught the hint and nudged her daughter. Darcy was checking her phone; she realized Jethro had sent her two messages that morning, and she'd forgotten to reply to one. She sent the reply, then looked up—and met Hugo's gaze. She pressed her lips together briefly. "Thanks." "Hugo!" A call came from across the room. Darcy looked over to see an elegantly dressed middle-aged couple. Their features and bearing bore a subtle resemblance to Hugo's.His parents, most likely. "Your parents are calling you," Darcy said softly. Hugo nodded. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Would you like to meet them? I could introduce you." Darcy was taken aback. Meet his parents? That doesn't seem right. She immediately shook her head. "No, that's okay. I'm sure they want to introduce you to some people. You should go." The room was filled with powerful figures from business and politics. His parents were probably calling him over for networking. Hugo's eyes dimmed with a flicker of disappointment, which he quickly masked. But on second thought, maybe it was better this way. He hadn't fully prepared his parents yet, anyway. No rush. There's plenty of time. Patience was a virtue he had in spades. After Hugo left, Darcy's eyes unconsciously swept the crowded ballroom. Finally, she spotted Jethro. He was surrounded by a circle of people, wearing his trademark, polished business smile. As if sensing her gaze, he looked straight toward her. Their eyes met, and the corners of both their mouths lifted in an involuntary, private smile. Darcy wanted to go talk to him, but remembering her mother's disapproval, she didn't dare make it obvious. So she found an excuse. "Mom, I'm going to the restroom. Call me if you need anything." The ballroom was packed. There was safety in numbers, and Zora wouldn't dare try anything under so many watchful eyes. Seeing his girl head toward the restroom, Jethro tugged at the corner of his mouth, set his champagne flute aside, murmured an apology to the group, and followed the same path. In the hallway, he spotted her immediately. Quickening his pace, he caught up, wrapped an arm around her, and steered her through the door to the emergency stairwell. Thud. The door closed, and she was pressed securely against his chest. Darcy's heart hammered, adrenaline spiking. "You scared me!" Jethro kissed her forehead. "What can I do? I'm still on probation. I have to sneak around." His tone held a note of playful grievance. He tightened his hold, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Why did you come? You said you weren't going to." Darcy quickly explained the morning's events. "...So that's why Mom and I decided to stay." A dangerous glint flashed in Jethro's eyes. This situation with Zora can't drag on any longer. It needs a permanent solution. He gently stroked Darcy's hair. "Next time something like this happens, you tell me immediately, okay? Let me help. It's too dangerous for you to handle alone." Darcy leaned into his chest, closing her eyes and nodding. "Okay. I will." They stayed like that for a few more precious minutes before slipping back out. Fortunately, the restroom area wasn't busy, and no one saw them. As they re-entered the glittering ballroom, Darcy asked curiously, "Where's Cindy? I haven't seen her." Jethro gave a resigned smile. "Surrounded by the socialites. I'll have her come find you later." Darcy followed his subtle gesture and saw Cindy indeed engulfed by a chattering flock of elaborately dressed young women.