Hugo spoke, "Gwen is my cousin." That explained it. "I'm heading out." Darcy turned to leave. Suddenly, Hugo called after her. "Get in the car. I'll give you a lift." "No need. It's not on your way." "It is. Gwen and I are heading to a birthday dinner tonight. It's right past your neighborhood." Darcy looked at him calmly. "Zane and I broke up." She thought he insisted on driving her out of regard for Zane. Hugo gave a light laugh. "I know." Darcy was surprised. He knew, and still wanted to drive her? "After all these years, even if you and Zane broke up, there's still some connection between us," Hugo said. Actually, it was more than "some." Hugo's eyes swept over Darcy. To be fair, Darcy wasn't the kind of dazzlingly beautiful woman who stopped you in your tracks. She was the kind of girl who grew on you the more you looked. Her face and features were classic and elegant. Her aura was steady and calm, with a kind of serene, grounding beauty. The kind that particularly appealed to mature men. Besides, Darcy's professional competence was outstanding. The Sterling Group had invested in SummitCore Tech over the past few years. The two sides collaborated regularly. Hugo had worked with Darcy before and knew exactly how capable she was. He was actually shocked that Zane had let Darcy resign.If Darcy were at the Sterling Group, Hugo would never allow such talent to leave. Then again, if Darcy wanted to join Sterling Group, he'd be thrilled to have her. In the end, Darcy didn't agree to ride with Hugo. She biked home. The G-Class drove out of the Quest University campus. Gwen leaned forward from the back seat. "Hugo, you know Darcy?" "Yeah. We've crossed paths at work before," Hugo replied calmly. "Is Darcy super charming when she works?" Gwen asked. Hugo thought for a moment, then smiled, "Yeah. She really is." Gwen was a sharp little fox. She drew her conclusion from just two sentences. "Hugo, you're into Darcy!" Screech— The sound of tires gripping asphalt.The car jerked to a sudden stop. Gwen's head bumped against the front seat. "Hugo!" She rubbed her head, glaring angrily at the culprit. Hugo met her eyes in the rearview mirror. Suddenly, he said with dead seriousness, "Cut it out!" "Hmph. You're just feeling guilty," Gwen mumbled under her breath. Hugo started the car again. "Your birthday is coming up. I've already pre-ordered that bag you wanted." "Yay! You're the best!" She gave a sly grin. "Don't worry, I won't tell Darcy you like her!" Hugo was silent for a moment, then said, "Not just her. Don't tell anyone else, got it?" "Anyone else?" "Yeah. Like your parents, my parents, and... Zane, Ines." "Got it! OK!"An hour later, the G-Class stopped in front of a five-star hotel. Hugo tossed the keys to the valet. The entire hotel had been booked by the Moss family for the evening. Inside, the decorations were dazzling. After bringing Gwen to their family elders, Hugo found a quiet corner and picked up a glass of champagne. "Hugo? There you are." Hugo turned around. Zora, Zane, and Ines walked over together. Zora wore a water-blue gown, her hair elegantly swept up. She looked like a goddess descended to earth, noble and graceful. Ines raised an eyebrow, delivering a sharp comment. "Well, well. Zora and Zane are wearing matching outfits tonight!" Zane's tie was sapphire blue. It did look a bit like a couple's set. "Don't say that!" Zora said, flustered, her cheeks flushed. Her eyelashes were lowered, but she couldn't help glancing up at Zane. Zane shot Ines a glare but didn't say anything. Ines was unfazed. He took a small sip of champagne. "Hugo, don't you think so?" Hugo, oddly, said nothing. Ines patted his shoulder. "What's up with you lately? Don't tell me you're turning into Zane—colder by the day." "You're the one turning into Zane!" Hugo retorted, swatting Ines' hand away in disgust. His deep eyes moved to Zane and Zora. "Sorry I'm late. Picking up Gwen from campus took some time." Zora smiled, "Gwen's a senior this year, right? Graduating next year? I heard she's also studying Financial Engineering. Would she be interested in joining SummitCore? I could mentor her personally!" Hugo shook his head. "She's preparing for grad school. If she gets in, she'll continue studying.""Why not study abroad? Top schools abroad have stronger Financial Engineering programs." "Gwen's been pampered since she was a kid. She couldn't handle studying abroad." Zora laughed lightly, "True. Gwen's sweet, like a little princess. By the way, which professor is she applying to study under?" "Prof. Reed at Quest University." Zora and Zane exchanged a glance. "What a coincidence. We were actually hoping to collaborate with Prof. Reed," Zora said. Ines cut in, "What kind of collaboration with a university?" Zane explained, "Prof. Reed holds a patent. We want to acquire it for use in a new product."