"You don't want me in here? Too bad. I'm coming in anyway. What are you gonna do about it?" When she'd had enough of lounging, she got up and hopped over to Darcy's desk. The desk was covered with postgraduate exam prep books, along with numerous textbooks on finance and computer science. "All the gear, no idea. The entrance exams are so hard. She's only been studying for a few months. No way she'll pass," Kaia grumbled to herself, flipping open Darcy's study notes. They were dense with writing. Kaia could recognize individual words, but put together, they made no sense to her. Annoyed, she slammed the notebook shut. So boring. No wonder Zane didn't like Darcy. Who would want such a boring, ordinary woman?She was about to leave when she noticed a document wedged in the middle of the bookcase. Kaia yanked it out. It was an employment contract. The employer was Stratagem Tech. The employee was Darcy. She opened it. When her gaze landed on the "Job Title" field, her eyes widened in shock. Chief Executive Officer? CEO? Darcy wasn't a regular salesperson at Stratagem. She was the CEO?! Kaia was floored! How dare Jethro hand over a Group subsidiary to someone with only five years of work experience? He must be blind! She kept flipping. When she saw Darcy's annual salary and stock option package, a wave of violent jealousy washed over her.Why? Why does everything good happen to Darcy? What does she have that I don't? Family background? She's way better off than Darcy. Yet, the guys she dated in college couldn't hold a candle to Zane. And her job? She started as an admin after graduation. Kaia refused to accept it. Thud! She threw the contract on the floor. Her uninjured foot stomped on it wildly, over and over. Only when the rage subsided did she stop. Trying to avoid detection, she bent down, picked up the contract, brushed off the dust, and prepared to stuff it back. That's when she noticed two more documents tucked inside the bookcase. She quickly pulled them out.They were agreements. Again, between Stratagem Tech and Darcy. But... Weird. This agreement was signed before Darcy left her old job? It clicked instantly. Darcy schemed with the Blackwood Group all along. She planned her jump to Stratagem Tech before even resigning. Kaia didn't know much about labor law, but she knew this was wrong. Big time. At best, a lawsuit and ruined reputation. At worst, crippling financial damages... A smirk curled her lips. Kaia took out her phone and snapped photos for evidence. Then, she silently retreated from Darcy's room and returned the key to its hiding place. ... At the Moss Mano, the news of Zora's future husband coming for lobster had the household staff in a flurry. Susan had risen at dawn to plan the menu and sent the cook out for shopping. Around noon, a black Maybach glided into the Moss Manor driveway. Zane stepped out, his black overcoat framing his tall figure, his expression cool and distant. "Mrs. Parker, Mr. Parker," Zane greeted, opening the trunk to retrieve gifts. "A small token of appreciation. I hope you don't mind." "Oh, you silly boy. I told Zora already, just come as a guest. No need for gifts," Susan chided, gesturing for a servant to take them. "Is your mother not joining us?" "She and my father went to pick up my grandfather." Susan's eyes flickered. "Your grandfather is returning?" "Yes. With Christmas approaching, my father wasn't comfortable with him staying out of town alone."Susan understood perfectly. Ever since Viktor brought Zane and his mother into the Vance Manor, Zane's grandfather had spent most of his time living elsewhere, rarely returning. Everyone knew he disapproved of Zane and his mother. But this time, he'd allowed Olena to go along to fetch him. It meant he had finally, truly, accepted them. Susan's expression relaxed. It seems our bet is paying off. Soon, it was time for the meal. Susan personally brought out the lobster, handing the largest one to Zane. "Thank you." She then gave one to her daughter. John, who had been waiting with his plate extended, was completely ignored by his wife. Embarrassed, he put his plate down and served himself. Zane noticed the exchange at the table and was momentarily taken aback.He knew John was Susan's second husband, and he'd always assumed Susan loved him deeply. Today suggested otherwise. Old money families are messy as hell. Zane glanced away after a moment. After lunch, Zane and Zora chatted with Susan. Less than half an hour in, Susan noticed her daughter staring distractedly at her phone. She smiled at Zora. "Just talking is a bit dull. Why don't you take Zane out for a walk around the grounds? The scenery is lovely." Zora put her phone away and looked at Zane. "The area around here is nice. Shall we?" "Of course," Zane said, standing. They left the house together. Once they were out of earshot, Susan let out a long breath. She turned and headed upstairs to the study. John followed. Inside the study, he closed the door and sat across from his wife.