Darcy was stunned at her words. The moment she stepped back into the ballroom, Cindy approached her. "Darcy! Where did you go? I was looking everywhere for you!" Darcy replied, "Lilian wanted to see me." "Lilian? What did she want? Did she give you a hard time?" Darcy shook her head. "No, the opposite, actually. She discussed a potential collaboration. By the way, was the online leak your doing?" "No!" Cindy pulled her into a quieter corner and showed Darcy her phone screen. It was a chat log with her private investigator. Cindy had asked why he'd leaked information before receiving her order. The PI's reply was a string of confused question mark emojis, "Wasn't me. Still compiling the evidence." Darcy fell silent. If not Cindy, then who? Who else was helping them from the shadows? "It was me." While they stood there in silence, Jethro walked over. The three moved to a more secluded spot in the hallway. "I had my people working alongside Cindy's investigator," Jethro explained, his tone serious. "I hadn't planned to release anything today. But after what happened to your mom this morning, I changed my mind. Some people don't learn unless you hit them where it hurts." Darcy hadn't known Jethro was involved. Hearing that he'd acted for her, and so decisively, sent a wave of warmth through her. "Damn, Jethro, that was badass!" Cindy exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration. "Alright, I'll tell my guy to publish everything he has right now, too. Let's give that witch a one-two punch!" Jethro nodded, but his brow furrowed deeper. "There's something odd, though. I believe there's another player behind the scenes, working toward the same goal." "What?" Darcy and Cindy were stunned. "What do you mean?" Jethro explained, "The information currently leaked about her time abroad—that was from my team. But the domestic scandals? Not from us. We didn't even have that information." Darcy and Cindy quickly pulled out their phones again. "SummitCore VP Zora Accused of Fake Degree" "SummitCore VP Zora Cheated Repeatedly While Studying Overseas" Right below those were two new, explosive hashtags— "SummitCore VP Zora's Chaotic Private Life""SummitCore VP Zora Bullied Classmate at Quest University, Driving Victim to Suicide" Darcy tapped on the first one. The screen filled with a series of explicit photos—Zora entering and exiting the Paradise Club, partying intimately with various gigolos. "Holy crap," Cindy blurted. "Zora really gets around. "But wow, the gigolo quality at Paradise Club is top-tier. Why didn't we get service like that last time? That manager has no taste!" Her grumbling made both Darcy and Jethro shake their heads in silence. Darcy then clicked on the second hashtag. "She studied at Quest University?" she asked, puzzled. "First time I've heard that." Jethro's expression was grim. "I just found out myself. I've already asked my uncle to look into it. We should hear back soon." "Okay." Darcy nodded. The real question remained—who else hated Zora this much? And this person was clearly well-prepared, possessing even more damaging evidence than they did. Suddenly, Darcy remembered that anonymous text message. Could it be that person? Noticing the shift in her expression, Jethro asked, "What is it?" After a moment's hesitation, Darcy mentioned the anonymous text again. "I have a feeling the person who sent me that message is the same person leaking all this behind the scenes." Jethro lowered his gaze, thinking. "Question is, who? Someone close to you?" The three of them pondered but came up with no answers, so they decided to drop it for now and returned to the ballroom to eat. As soon as they sat down, they were surrounded by buzzing whispers. Zora's name was on everyone's lips.Darcy stayed silent, focusing on serving her mother more food. Lucian, seated beside her, glanced at her a few times before leaning in with a casual smile. "What's everyone talking about? Sounds lively." Darcy's fork paused. She offered a friendly warning. "Check your phone." Lucian took his phone out and opened Instagram. "Nothing here." Darcy named a different, more news-focused platform. "Try that one." Lucian did as she suggested. Seeing the dark red, trending hashtags, he merely frowned and put his phone away without a word. Darcy spoke quietly, "You should probably be thinking about how to help Zora handle this." "Help Zora? Why should I help her?" Lucian looked genuinely puzzled. "She has a fiancé. She has resources." Darcy lowered her eyes. "You know why."Lucian stared at her for a long moment, as if on the verge of saying something, but ultimately remained silent. Backstage, Zora and Zane had just emerged from changing when they were intercepted again by the Vance family. This time, before anyone else could react, Olena stepped forward and delivered a stinging slap across Zora's face. The force of it made Zora's vision blur, and she staggered, nearly losing her balance.