No. He wouldn't. He couldn't fail another woman who loved him. Perhaps it was to prove to everyone—to himself—that Zane wasn't entirely selfish or heartless. He wouldn't abandon his fiancée when she needed him most. Viktor merely sighed, "As you wish. But remember this. The fake degree, the bullying—our Vance family can overlook those. But the infidelity? You must get to the bottom of that. A Vance man does not wear another man's shoes." A memory seemed to flicker behind Zane's eyes. His body tensed, and his legs tightened almost imperceptibly. He mumbled, "I understand, Dad." The next day, Zane sent his own people to investigate the Paradise Club. But Rocco had prepared everyone. All staff members feigned complete ignorance of Zora. Once the investigators left, Rocco immediately called Lucian. "It's done, as you instructed. They're gone. But I don't get it. If you're moving early, why not go all the way?" Yes, Lucian's original plan was set for two months later. For reasons unknown, he'd accelerated it to yesterday. Luckily, Rocco had always been careful and didn't panic. There was a brief silence on the other end. "It changes nothing. Moving early keeps them off balance, forces them to make a desperate, all-or-nothing play. As for not going all the way—you can guess. We can't have Zane break with them completely yet. Not until the fish is well and truly hooked. Then we'll reach the climax." Rocco scratched his head. Lucian's methods were getting harder to read. He used to be the most cautious, planning ten steps ahead. But yesterday afternoon, he suddenly messaged them to move.Rocco had even double-checked it wasn't a hacked account. So what the hell happened yesterday afternoon? Darcy woke up to her mother's nagging. "Hugo said he's only in Aethelburg for a few more days before traveling again. Call him. Invite him for dinner." Feeling contrary, Darcy retreated to her bedroom. Ten minutes later, Ione knocked. "Did you call him?" Darcy emerged, having changed into a dress. "Yes. He'll be here soon." Ione beamed. "Perfect! I'll start cooking. Wait—where are you going?" "Out. I made plans with a friend today. They're already on their way; I can't cancel." Ione pressed a hand to her chest. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" "Mom, of course not," Darcy said with a helpless shrug. "If you like Hugo so much, just make him your godson." "...You're doing this just to spite me." Suspicion growing, Ione followed her to the door. "Which friend? Male or female?" Darcy's eyes flickered. "A female colleague. My closest buddy at the office." Hearing that, Ione finally nodded, still unwilling. "Fine. Come home early. Even if you don't eat, you can at least chat with him." "Okay," Darcy agreed, though internally she planned on being very late. She drove to the agreed-upon address. Getting out of the car, she saw the man unfold his long legs and stride toward her. He wore a crisp grey shirt and tailored black trousers, looking both imposing and refined. Exactly her type. Her heart warmed, and she waved at Jethro. It was their first official date, and a hint of shyness lingered between them. After lunch, Jethro reached for her hand. His long fingers tentatively brushed against hers before decisively lacing through them. Darcy looked down at her small hand enveloped in his larger, warmer one, feeling her cheeks heat up. Jethro seemed pleased by her reaction. "Where would you like to go this afternoon?" "Anything's fine," she said. Jethro stroked his chin thoughtfully. "The internet says when your girlfriend says 'anything's fine,' it doesn't mean anything. It means you have to guess what she really wants." Darcy laughed softly. "That's not me. I genuinely mean it." As long as I'm with you. Jethro had done his research—he knew she favored quiet spots over crowded chaos. "There's a special antiques exhibition nearby. Shouldn't be too packed. Wanna go check it out with me?" "Sure. Sounds good."When they got there, the crowd was thin, but the pieces were awesome. Darcy's eyes were instantly hooked. She tugged on Jethro's sleeve. "Should we hire a docent?" Jethro looked down at her with a smile. "No need. You've got a live one right here." "You?" Darcy's eyes widened. "You know about artifacts?" Jethro gave her hand a light, playful squeeze. "Don't underestimate me. You'll see how impressive I am once I start explaining."