Zane gave a slight smile. "Yes, I believe in you. But don't be too soft on them. Let me know if you need my help." He stood up, and they walked towards the door. Suddenly, Zora stumbled, losing her balance and nearly falling. Zane swiftly caught her in his arms. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Zora shook her head. "I'm fine." "Your ankle is swelling. That's not 'fine.' I have some ointment in my office." Zane frowned. Without another word, he scooped her up into his arms and hurried towards his office. The meeting had just ended, and many people were still lingering on the top floor. "Whoa, was that Mr. Vance carrying Dr. Moss?" "Hey, is that Zora... is she Mr. Vance's girlfriend?" "It... it seems true! He's always so cold. I've never seen him worried about anyone like that. The way he looked at Dr. Moss just now! Ah, they're such a perfect couple! The icy CEO and the brilliant, gorgeous beauty!" Kaia stopped in her tracks. Zaneand Dr. Moss? A couple? Others saw her and pulled her into the gossip. "Kaia, don't Mr. Vance and Dr. Moss look perfect together? They're a match made in heaven!" Kaia glanced toward the CEO's office. She saw Zane, his brow furrowed, rummaging through a first aid kit. His eyes lit up when he found a bottle of liniment. He then knelt, lifted Zora's foot, gently removed her shoe, poured some liniment into his palm, and began massaging her ankle with careful attention. Kaia stared, stunned.She had never seen this side of Zane before. Were they a good match? Kaia smiled and nodded. "Yes, indeed. Very well-matched." Far better suited than her best friend, Darcy. Zane was from a wealthy family. Even as an illegitimate son initially, his mother had married into the Vance family, legitimizing his status. Beyond that, Zane had the looks, the charm, the capability. And Darcy? Kaia thought for a moment. Darcy seemed... average in comparison. Her looks, her family background, her education—all paled next to Zora's. Even as a good friend, Kaia had to admit that Zora and Zane seemed perfect for each other. A match made in heaven. After the massage, Zora's foot felt better. She tried to leave for her work downstairs, but Zane pressed a hand on her shoulder, his tone half-scolding, half-concerned. "Your health comes first. Sit a while longer. Go down when it doesn't hurt." Since he insisted, Zora didn't argue. She relaxed, picking up a cushion from the sofa and hugging it. She pointed to the first aid kit on the floor. "Mr. Sharp is so thoughtful. He's stocked this kit completely. Even has stuff for sprains." Curious, she leaned over to examine the kit. It was impressively comprehensive, containing everything from cold medicine to treatments for stomach ulcers. She marveled again at Rex's attentiveness. Zane pressed his lips together, saying nothing. In truth, this kit had been prepared by Darcy. In the early startup days, he would code relentlessly, often forgetting to eat, which triggered frequent stomach problems. Darcy had quietly assembled this kit for him, filling it with stomach remedies. Over time, she kept replenishing and updating it monthly, adding cold medicine, band-aids, liniment, and more. Thinking of this, Zane realized something. Lately, Darcy hadn't contacted him at all. Aside from that phone call three days ago, they hadn't exchanged a single word or message. After Zora left, Zane picked up his phone. After a long moment of thought, he sent Darcy a message, "Has your mother been admitted to the hospital?" He glanced at the calendar on his desk, trying to recall. He knew it was around this time, but he'd forgotten the exact date. The message wasn't instantly replied to, as it usually would have been. Zane wasn't concerned. He was certain she was just busy. She would reply once she had a moment. He set his phone aside and returned to work. When he finally looked up from his computer, the sky was darkening. He stood, stretched, and looked out at the neon lights and flowing traffic below. He realized how late it was. Suddenly, he frowned and turned to pick up his phone. Not a single message. Specifically, not a single message from Darcy. He opened his contacts and dialed her number. It rang several times. No answer. Probably still busy. Hospital admissions are complicated. It's understandable she couldn't answer. Rex knocked and entered with some documents. As he turned to leave, Zane stopped him. "Buy a bouquet of flowers for me." Rex was momentarily confused. "Sure. What kind? Should I have it delivered now?""Never mind. I'll get them myself." Zane put on his suit jacket and patted Rex's shoulder. "Tell everyone they can leave early today." Rex was taken aback. It was rare to see this more approachable side of his boss. In such a hurry... a date? But with whom? Dr. Moss? Or Darcy? Rex sighed inwardly. Whoever it is, it's none of my business. Zane took the elevator to the underground parking garage. The lights of his Maybach flashed. As he was about to get in, he spotted Kaia. Perfect timing. He wanted to ask her about Ione's hospitalization. As Darcy's best friend, she would know more than he did. But before he could call her name, he saw Kaia run up and link arms with Zora, saying sweetly, "Dr. Moss! Let's go get some dinner." Since when did Kaiaand Zora become so close?Then again, Zora was always graceful and poised. With her looks, talent, and friendly personality, it was hard not to be drawn to her. No wonder Kaia got along with her. Forget asking Kaiathen. He knew which hospital it was anyway. He didn't probe deeper into why seeing Kaia with Zora made him change his mind—whether he was worried Zora would find out about his relationship with Darcy, or something else. He pushed those thoughts down. ... In the VIP room of the hospital wing, the surgeon was explaining the pre-op procedures for the next day. After covering the basics, the doctor looked at Darcy. "It's important for the patient to remain in good spirits before and after the surgery. Avoid major emotional swings, as it's not conducive to recovery." Darcy nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Doctor."She saw the doctor to the door. As she turned back, she spotted Zane standing not far away, holding a bouquet of flowers. Seeing him again, she felt nothing like before. There was no joy in her eyes, only indifference. She walked over. "What are you doing here?" Zane's brow furrowed slightly, noticing the change in her demeanor. "You didn't reply to my calls or messages," he said flatly. Darcy pulled out her phone and saw the missed calls. She looked up at him. "Sorry, I was busy and didn't hear it." "I know. That's why I came straight after work. How is your mother?" "She's doing okay." "When is the surgery?""Tomorrow morning." After this brief exchange, silence fell between them. It seemed that besides her mother's condition, they had nothing left to talk about. Darcy clenched her fists inside her pockets. "By the way, about the letter I sent you..."