"Yes," Annie confirmed. "I want a permanent solution, to eliminate any chance of her reconciling with Jethro. I'm confident someone of your capabilities can manage a life overseas." She finished speaking. Zane's sharp profile was half-hidden in the shadows of the room. He remained silent for a long time. "It's alright, Mr. Vance. Take your time to consider it. Contact me when you've made your decision." With that, Annie pressed a small card with her private contact information into his hand. Then, she pulled open the door and left. Zane held the card as if it were a burning coal. He wanted to throw it away but couldn't bring himself to. What if... what if she really could help? A faint ripple finally disturbed the stagnant depths of his eyes.A long while later, Zane returned to their room. Hugo was already gone. Ines spread his hands. "His dad called. So, it's just us two. Want to try something different?" He nudged Zane's shoulder with a grin. "I heard the club just got a fresh batch of new faces—college students, who can't find jobs. Soft as peaches." Zane frowned slightly. "No, thanks." Ines was surprised. Reformed, huh? Suddenly, Zane asked, "Jethro's kid's mother—his first love. How much do you know about her?" Ines, who had been carefully avoiding the topic, was startled by the question. "Why are you asking about her?" Zane's eyes flickered. "Just curious. The news is everywhere." Ines, assuming it was mere gossip, replied casually, "That woman's got some nerve. Showing up with a kid, confronting Jethro like that. We all thought she was delusional. But then, Jethro didn't even try to suppress the story, and now there are rumors that the Blackwoods are going to acknowledge the kid. She's something, alright. But—" Zane glanced at him. "But what?" Ines lowered his voice. "Rumor has it she's got ties to Jasper from the second branch. My guess is she's daring to make this fuss with his backing." "So you're saying Annie is just a pawn in the power struggle between the two branches of the Blackwood family?" Zane raised an eyebrow. "Pretty much." Zane smiled faintly. If that was true, then Annie's proposal was likely genuine. She might not have much power herself, but the second branch's influence was not to be underestimated. Later, at the club entrance, Annie was saying goodbye to a group of people—hangers-on from social circles who had flocked to ingratiate themselves with her now that she had Blackwood connections. Money and power really are magic. I don't even possess them yet, just brush against their edges, and people crawl to me. Just then, Zane and Ines also came down in the elevator and reached the entrance. Their eyes met. Annie gave Zane a slight, knowing nod. Ines was astonished. "You know her?" Zane quickly looked away. "No. Let's go." Their designated drivers were already waiting. The two got into their respective cars and left. Watching Zane's flustered expression, Annie allowed herself a subtle, triumphant smile. Looks like this might work. She turned and walked to the parking garage, where the car Jasper had bought for her—"for convenience"—was parked. She climbed in and was just about to start the engine when bam—someone popped up right in front of the car.It was that tough-looking, swarthy guy, the one with the terrifying scar running down his face. One eye was all squinty; you couldn't tell if he was half-blind or just sizing her up like prey. Annie clapped a hand over her mouth in terror. He opened his mouth—yellow teeth bared—and a voice straight from hell croaked, "Well, well, Annie. Long time no see!" Annie froze. She instinctively checked the rearview mirror. Seeing no one familiar around, she slammed on the brakes. She drove to a secluded hotel and stopped. The man—Draven Roby—chuckled, "That's my good girl. Knew your uncle just got back to town with no place to stay. So thoughtful, arranging accommodations." Annie took a deep breath and glared at him venomously. "Get out!" Draven clung to the seatbelt. "You won't trick me out of the car and drive off, will you? It wasn't easy finding you this time. If you don't make good on that old promise, I'll go straight to the Blackwoods right now!" Annie turned to stare at him, her eyes filled with naked disgust and hatred. Ten minutes later, Annie had checked Draven into the hotel, taking him to a suite on the top floor with three separate rooms. Draven had never stayed in such a nice place. He touched the sofa, then the bed, before finally rushing to the bathroom for a long, indulgent shower. "Good lord! You rich folks really know how to live! A tub that big, with automatic jets! This is the life!" He collapsed on the sofa afterward, sprawling like a contented, mangy dog. A knock sounded at the door. Draven sprang up like a startled fish and ducked behind the sofa, crouching low. Annie watched with silent contempt. Old habits die hard. She went to the door and opened it. It was the room service she'd ordered. Draven breathed a sigh of relief, rubbed his hands together, and returned to the sofa, attacking the food containers with no semblance of manners.