The girls fell silent, then turned to find other dance partners. Zora's lips curved into a smile. She lifted her head, her gaze meeting Darcy's directly across the room. She raised a brow, her eyes glinting with challenge. Darcy quickly looked away, her focus shifting to the broad-shouldered man leading Zora. Even though he knows her degrees and papers were bought... he's still captivated, isn't he? Any man would be drawn to someone so vibrant and beautiful, I guess. Darcy lowered her gaze, pressed her lips together, and headed towards the buffet area. At least there was food for comfort. She'd just picked up a ham sandwich when she noticed a slice of tiramisu appear on her plate."I know you like this." Darcy frowned. She put the cake back and looked up at Zane. "Mr. Vance, I don't like desserts. Please don't pretend you know me." Zane took a deep breath. He couldn't stand Darcy calling him "Mr. Vance" every time they met, nor her ice-cold attitude. He missed her old self—docile, understanding. There was a side door next to the buffet area, leading to a back garden. After finishing her sandwich, Darcy put down her plate and walked out. The air in the main hall was stifling. She needed to breathe. Zane followed. Darcy frowned, ignoring him as if he were air, and strolled casually through the garden, looking up at the moon.The night was beautiful. The sky was dotted with stars, and a graceful crescent moon hung above. She folded her arms, gazing upward, when Zane's husky voice sounded beside her. "Do you remember the first time we watched a meteor shower together?" Darcy stiffened. Of course she remembered. One night in their third year of university, after finishing a part-time job, she'd invited Zane to watch the meteor shower. The campus network had been buzzing about it for a month. Legend said if you watched it with someone you loved, you'd be together forever. Darcy had expected Zane to refuse. But he'd agreed. They grabbed a ride up the back hill behind campus. Tents were everywhere. With every step, they encountered couples kissing or flirting. Darcy's face had burned crimson. Zane, in contrast, had been utterly calm. She'd thought then that he had no feeling for her. Feeling defeated, she'd waited until nine o'clock. Amid everyone's gasps, the meteors streaked across the sky. Darcy quickly closed her eyes and made a wish. When she opened them, Zane's handsome face was close to hers. He'd asked her, a rare moment of initiative, "What did you wish for?" "I..." Darcy's eyes had flickered. "Never mind. It's nothing." It's all just a fairy tale anyway. Zane's Adam's apple bobbed; his voice came out a bit off. "I agree." Darcy was confused. Agree to what? Zane's cheeks had flushed slightly. "Didn't you wish on the meteor to be my girlfriend? I said I agree." And just like that, they became a couple. At first, classmates and both sets of parents disapproved. Yet, they weathered seven years of ups and downs. They were about to step into marriage. Then, his "true love" returned, and Darcy finally woke from her long dream. Looking back now, Darcy's heart didn't ache anymore. There was only a quiet sense of irony. Seeing the look in Darcy's eyes, Zane knew she remembered. He reached for her hand. "Darcy, come back. The company... and I... need you." Darcy evaded his touch. She scoffed, "And what about your 'true love'? Mr. Vance, could you really bring yourself to fire her?" Zane pinched the bridge of his nose. "Zora is understanding. You two would manage different divisions. It wouldn't be an issue." How understanding. The implication was that she was the one being difficult. Darcy had no intention of returning. But she couldn't help wanting to know—if forced to choose between her and Zora, what would Zane do? "There can't be two alpha dogs in the same pack. Either I come back, or Zora leaves. You choose." Anger flashed in Zane's eyes. "Darcy, there are limits to being unreasonable!" There. She had her answer. Was she sad? Not really. Just... a little more done inside. This was Zane. He'd never loved her. Darcy gave a cold laugh. "So, you want to keep both of us and enjoy the perks." Zane's brow furrowed. "I do not!""Don't you? Don't you plan to marry Zora? Yet you insist I come back. What for? To keep me on the side as your side piece?" "Darcy!" Darcy smiled thinly, "Hit a nerve, didn't I?" Zane took another deep breath. "Darcy, I'm asking you one last time. Will you come back or not? If you do, I'll let bygones be bygones. If you don't... you'd better think carefully about the consequences." "What consequences?" Darcy raised a brow. Zane said coldly, "The non-compete clause." Darcy's expression changed instantly. She fell silent. A satisfied smile touched Zane's lips. "You've got one week. If you still refuse after that... see you in arbitration."