Darcy's face was flushed, but she'd never admit to the train of thought that had caused it. "Who's imagining? I just ran into a couple of yapping dogs in the elevator earlier. The barking got on my nerves. Needed the soda to calm down." Jethro blinked. Dogs? In this high-end mall? The management was clearly slipping. He made a mental note to have a word with the mall's owner, whom he'd met at a charity gala. As the previews started, Jethro pulled out his phone, found the contact, and sent a firm but polite message. He pointed out the security lapse and offered some constructive suggestions. The mall owner, on the other end of his WhatsApp, was profusely apologetic, promising an immediate investigation. Within ten minutes, a discreet but thorough sweep for unauthorized pets was underway across the entire complex...The credits rolled. Darcy and Jethro stayed in their seats, a silent agreement between them. Only when the theater was completely empty did Darcy finally stir. "Okay, coast is clear. Let's go." She started to stand, but a strong hand gently pulled her back down. Darcy froze. His gaze was soft, filled with a lingering warmth. "Just a few more minutes," he murmured. "Want to stay with you a little longer." A smile touched Darcy's lips. She rested her head on his shoulder. "The next showing starts soon. People will be coming in. We should give them their seats." He looked almost pouty. "Just a minute." Her resolve melted. "Well... we could go to your car?" Jethro's eyes lit up instantly. "Deal." As she saw the spark in his eyes, a flicker of doubt crossed Darcy's mind. Wait. Did he misinterpret that? I really just meant sitting and talking! They left the theater, Jethro leading the way to the parking garage elevators with Darcy close behind. Just then, her phone rang. A mall security guard informed her that her car was allegedly blocking another vehicle and needed to be moved. Darcy was puzzled—she was certain she hadn't parked improperly—but she asked Jethro to go ahead to his car and wait for her there. When she finally located her vehicle, she understood. The person claiming to be blocked was none other than Zora, standing there alone. Zane was nowhere in sight. Zora crossed her arms, a smug smile on her face. "I knew it. You really are alone. How pathetic." Darcy glanced at her car. It wasn't blocking anything. This was a deliberate setup to get her alone. She rolled her eyes, turned on her heel, and started to walk away."Darcy, you're such a fake." Zora's icy voice rang out behind her. "Acting all aloof, like you're above it all. Just like your mother, that bitch." Darcy froze. A slow, triumphant smirk spread across Zora's lips. Got you. Ione is always your weakest spot. Works every time. Darcy slowly turned back, her expression calm. "Aren't you worried Zane might see you like this?" Zora let out a sharp laugh. "He's gone to get something. He won't be back for a while. And there are no security cameras in this section. What do I have to be afraid of?" "Oh? No cameras here?" "That's right. No cameras." The words had barely left her mouth when the sharp, crisp sound of a slap echoed through the silent garage. Smack! Darcy's palm connected hard with Zora's cheek. "No cameras? Perfect. That's very convenient," Darcy said coolly. Before Zora could even process the first blow, a second, equally forceful slap landed on her other cheek. Zora tried to stumble back, but her sky-high heels betrayed her. Darcy was on her in an instant, grabbing a fistful of her hair. "You just couldn't leave it alone, could you? Kept pushing. I'd be a fool not to take advantage of such a perfect opportunity." "You bitch!" Zora shrieked, her face burning. "I'll sue you! I'll make sure everyone knows what a vicious psycho you really are!" Smack! Smack! Two more stinging slaps. Darcy raised an eyebrow, her demeanor chillingly composed. "No cameras, remember? How are you going to prove it was me? Go ahead, call the police. Might be a good chance for them to finally look into the source of those online rumors while they're at it."Rage and helplessness warred in Zora's eyes. She knew she was outmatched—Darcy was taller, stronger. For now, she had to swallow her fury. "Good. You're learning," Darcy said, releasing her grip. She brushed off her hands as if touching something distasteful and turned to leave. Zora sank to the cold concrete, clutching her swollen, throbbing face. Hot tears of humiliation streamed down her cheeks. "Bitch! You bitch! You fucking bitch!" she screamed into the emptiness. Right then, Zane returned with a bag—the thing Zora suddenly wanted, which had taken a long line to get. As he approached, her raw, venomous screams hit him first. He'd never seen Zora this close to breaking—practically unhinged. Her lack of basic manners made his skin crawl. Zane frowned, eyes cold. "What are you doing?"Zora's cries cut off abruptly. She looked up at Zane, pitiful and wide-eyed, anger flipping to wounded innocence in a heartbeat. "Zane..." she whimpered, fresh tears welling up. It was only then that he noticed the angry red marks on her cheeks. He crouched down, tilting her face. "What happened to you?" Sobbing hysterically, she poured out her story. "It was Darcy! She attacked me! She hit me! Oh, Zane, you have to do something! She's a monster!" Zane's brow furrowed. "Why would she hit you?" "Because... because she wanted revenge! All I did was say a few things in the elevator, and she... she just lost it and started beating me! She's insane!"