Darcy frowned. "What do you mean?" "Nothing. Remember to eat. If you need anything, press the bell by the bed. I've got stuff to do this afternoon." With that, Zane closed the door behind him. Once his footsteps faded, Darcy's legs gave out, and she slumped to the floor. Zane's behavior made it clear—he had no intention of letting her go. She scanned the room again, frustration mounting. Damn it. Not a single window. Weakness washed over her, a clear sign of low blood sugar. Her eyes drifted to the sandwich on the plate, her fingers twitching slightly. No. I can't starve myself to death in here. I need my strength to find a way out. Dragging herself to the small table by the bed, Darcy picked up the sandwich with trembling hands and began to eat. As the sugar slowly hit her system and her mind cleared, she started to plan. No windows. The only way out is through the door. The door was undoubtedly guarded. So, how do I get past that? Suddenly, an idea sparked. She got up, walked to the door, and pulled it open. As expected, a maid was stationed right outside. What surprised Darcy was the maid's appearance—black hair, dark eyes, pure foreign features. Have I really been taken out of the country? The maid approached and asked, "You're awake? Do you need anything? Mr. Vance said you can ask me for whatever you need." "I need to use the bathroom," Darcy said. The maid smiled and gestured to the left.Darcy started walking, glancing back to see the maid following closely. She stopped. The maid immediately explained, "Mr. Vance said I must stay with you at all times." Darcy pressed her lips together but said nothing more. Now wasn't the time for a confrontation. She needed to figure out where she was and identify potential escape routes. Looking down over the railing, she realized they were on the second floor. The living room below was empty; Zane was nowhere in sight. Glancing toward the front door, she saw two burly men standing guard. Looking up, she noted a narrow attic access. Inside the bathroom, Darcy immediately locked the wooden door and leaned against it, surveying her surroundings. The bathroom was spartan—just a toilet and a basic shower stall. But there was a window. Thank God. She took a deep breath, flushed the toilet to mask any noise, and hurried to the window.She tried to push it open, but it wouldn't budge. Her body was still weak from the drugs, and her efforts felt futile, like trying to move a mountain with her bare hands. Giving up on opening it, she stood on her tiptoes to peer outside. Second floor. Even if I jumped, it probably wouldn't be fatal. She exhaled, unlocked the bathroom door, and followed the maid back. At the bedroom door, she stopped the woman. "I'm still hungry. Could you bring me some more food, please?" Eat, rest, regain my strength, and wait for the right moment. The maid's face brightened. "Great, you finally want to eat. I'll tell Mr. Vance. He'll be so happy." "No," Darcy said quickly. "Don't tell him. I'll tell him myself when he returns this evening." The maid nodded. "It's always best for lovers to talk things out."Darcy's brow furrowed. Lovers? She and Zane weren't lovers. He was the person she hated most right now. Seeing Darcy's expression darken, the maid added, "When you were unconscious, Mr. Vance was terribly worried. He stayed by your side and even wiped your face himself. He truly cares for you." Darcy turned her face away. You have no idea. He's unhinged. "How long was I out?" Darcy asked. "Almost two full days." So, she'd been here nearly two days. Add in the travel time—she'd been missing for at least four or five days. Mom and Jethro must be going out of their minds. The thought was a physical ache. She'd promised to bring Jethro home to meet her mother, to finally bridge that gap... and then she'd vanished without a trace. Life, you have a cruel sense of humor.The pain was so sharp it stole her breath. She waved a hand at the maid. "Go on, go get the food." But the maid didn't move. She looked awkward. "Mr. Vance's orders. I cannot leave you unattended. If I must leave, the door has to be locked." Darcy looked at the door handle. Sure enough, there was a security chain and a bolt, like in some hotels. She stepped back into the room. As the door closed, she heard the distinct clink-clank of the metal chain being secured. Each sound felt like a blow to her heart. That evening, Zane returned. He sat on the edge of the bed, a satisfied smile on his lips. "I heard you asked for more food this afternoon. I always said you were smart. I'm glad you're coming around so quickly. "Darcy, we'll be back to how we were very soon." Darcy's heart clenched tight.