Darcy's heart leaped into her throat. She stood frozen for a few seconds. "Mom! When did you get here?" Ione looked at her, then glanced at the man in the car, and snorted, walking ahead of Darcy. "Mom! Mom!" Darcy hurried after her. In the car, Jethro was also at a loss. He wanted to get out and explain, but he was afraid of annoying Darcy's mother further. In the end, he rested his hands helplessly on the steering wheel. After the Rolls-Royce turned and drove away, Zane emerged from behind a tree, his face dark. He gritted his teeth, a vein throbbing at his temple. Darcy is back together with Jethro? Why? Seriously—why?She broke up with me because she said I couldn't let go of Zora. So why is she making an exception for Jethro? He has a first love who even had his child! She'd rather be someone's stepmother than get back with me? Darcy, you're so unfair to me! After smoking a few cigarettes in frustration, Zane pulled out his phone and dialed Ines. "Ines, get me two ship tickets. The kind that avoids customs checks. Yeah. I'm taking someone with me out of the country." Two days ago, Annie had told him about the medication and the hypnotist she had arranged, asking when he planned to act. At the time, he had scoffed and flatly refused. But now, the flames of jealousy roared, consuming him entirely. Darcy, just wait. We'll be together again soon. Darcy followed her mother into the apartment. After changing her shoes, she took the grocery bag from Ione's hands. "Mom, you rest tonight. I'll cook."Ione sighed, "You've been studying all day. I'll do it." "Then I'll help." In the kitchen, Ione was silent. Darcy desperately tried to make conversation, commenting on how fresh the fish looked, how nice the vegetables were. But no matter what she said, Ione didn't respond. Finally, at her wits' end, Darcy washed her hands and hugged her mother from behind. "Mom, are you mad at me?" Ione paused in sorting the vegetables and sighed again. "Weren't you two broken up? Why are you... Are you really sure you want to be someone's stepmother?" "Mom, it's not what you think," Darcy said. She put the vegetables down and led Ione to sit in the living room. Then, she told her mother everything that had happened in the Blackwood family recently. Ione looked stunned. "So, from start to finish, you two were acting? Pretending to break up?"Darcy scratched her head, a bit embarrassed. "Yeah." "Then I still don't agree with you two being together," Ione said coldly. Darcy was taken aback. She thought explaining everything would make her mother understand, but her attitude remained firm. "Why not?" Darcy asked, a headache forming. "What's wrong with him? His background, his looks, his ability—what aren't you satisfied with?" Ione sighed, "It's because he's perfect in every way that I'm worried. "His family background is on a completely different level from ours. I'm afraid you'll be at a disadvantage if you marry into that. I've heard wealthy families have whole legal teams. They'll make you sign a bunch of prenuptial agreements. If you divorce, you won't get any money, and you might not even get the kids." Darcy was exasperated. "We're not even married yet, and you're thinking about divorce? Besides, if I married an ordinary man, wouldn't I face similar problems? Since I might face them either way, shouldn't I at least choose someone I love?" Ione's face darkened. "I don't see how he's any better than Zane. Didn't he have his own 'first love'? Even if she's in prison now, who knows if he still thinks about her in his dreams? Wesley's a simple guy—never even been in a relationship. If you choose him, you wouldn't have to worry about such problems." "Mom," Darcy said, torn between laughter and tears. "I didn't peg you for a stickler for spotless pasts. But I have a bit of a past too. How do you know Wesley wouldn't mind?" Ione was speechless for a moment. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Darcy hugged her shoulders, pouting. "Course not. But I really like him. For my sake, can you try to accept him?" Ione frowned but didn't say anything more, her attitude softening slightly. Darcy batted her eyelashes, looking pleading. Seizing the opportunity, she said, "Next week, I'll have him come over to meet you. Maybe after that, you'll change your mind." Ione caught on, tapping Darcy's forehead. "You little schemer! You already planned for him to come over, didn't you?" Darcy stuck out her tongue. "Come on, he's my boyfriend—your future son-in-law! You need to size him up." After dinner, Darcy went to her room and immediately shared the good news with Jethro. Jethro first breathed a huge sigh of relief, saying "Thank goodness." But then anxiety set in. "Should I get a haircut? Is a suit too formal? What should I bring as a gift? What does your mom usually like to eat?"