Even though Ione was home, she would never suspect Kaia. "That's good. Rest for a few more days. I've spoken to HR. Your pay won't be docked during this time; it'll count as normal attendance." Zora's words were practically music to Kaia's ears. Kaia was endlessly grateful. Her funds were getting a bit tight lately. She had a girlfriend's birthday bash to attend tomorrow night and was worried about not having money for a dress. After finishing the messages with Zora, Kaia picked up the files and started to tiptoe out of the room. Suddenly, a dress hanging in the closet caught her eye. Wow. This dress looks incredible. The fabric was obviously from that famous high-end couture studio.She couldn't help but reach out and touch it. Darcy really does have all the luck. Such an expensive dress, and the company just bought it for her. Why don't I have that kind of luck? An idea began to form in her mind. Darcy was on a business trip for the next three days. No one would know if she wore this dress to the birthday party... She could just quietly put it back later... A sly smile curled Kaia's lips. She gathered the dress and the files and left the room. Back at the office, Darcy finished up her urgent tasks and called Cade over. "Cindy and I are going on a business trip to Techwood for the next three days. The Easemark project is temporarily your responsibility." Feeling the weight of his new responsibility, Cade clasped his hands together earnestly. "Boss, you can count on me! Have a safe... journey!"Darcy was speechless. She was traveling for work, not to her death! At noon, after lunch, Darcy and Cindy headed to the airport. In the elevator, seeing the two enormous suitcases behind Cindy, Darcy felt a vein throb at her temple. She held back, but finally couldn't resist. "Are you planning to take a vacation after the business trip?" She was being polite. Those suitcases were the size people used for month-long trips. Cindy blinked innocently. "No, just for the business trip." Darcy's lips twitched. Truly the epitome of a wealthy heiress! Arriving at the airport, Darcy was about to join the security line when Cindy pulled her to the side. Darcy looked up—First-Class Security Lane.Cindy said calmly, "I had the admin change your booking from economy to first class." Darcy fell silent. "Don't worry, it's not against policy. Company rules allow executives to fly first class for business trips," Cindy explained. "As for me... well, I'm paying for my own upgrade." Yes, the very capable and wealthy heiress. Darcy was getting used to it. The dedicated security lane was fast. They were through in five minutes. With over 40 minutes until boarding, they went to the lounge to wait. Darcy was tired. She'd been studying until midnight every day and then working early the next morning. Her energy was clearly running low. Two or three cups of coffee a day were barely keeping her going. She got up to get some coffee. When she returned, Cindy was gone. Checking her phone, she saw a message, "Gotta go! My bladder's calling!"Darcy smiled and looked down at her phone. A moment later, someone sat down beside her. Assuming it was Cindy returning, Darcy kept her eyes on her phone and held out the extra coffee she'd brought. "Got this for you." The person beside her paused before accepting it. A deep, low voice spoke next, "Thank you." Darcy's head snapped up. Oh, no. "M-Mr. Blackwood!" Jethro raised the coffee cup slightly and gave a small smile. "It's good." "My apologies, I thought you were Cindy," Darcy said, her face flushing. Did saying "got this for you" make him think I'm into him... Fortunately, Jethro didn't seem to mind. He simply nodded. "I know. The two of you are traveling to Techwood today.""Are you traveling for business too?" Darcy glanced down at the small carry-on by his feet. Jethro nodded. "Yes, to Techwood." Darcy's eyes widened with surprise. Jethro quickly clarified, "Not for the same matter." "Oh." Darcy felt a wave of relief. Soon, Cindy returned. She showed no surprise at seeing Jethro, clearly having known in advance. Darcy started to get up to give them space to talk. But Cindy raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye, and quickly waved her hands. "Don't mind me! You two keep chatting." She then settled into a seat in a far corner, pretending to read a magazine while sneakily glancing their way every so often. An awkward silence stretched between them until the boarding announcement finally came over the speakers.Finally— They both let out a quiet, simultaneous sigh of relief. Then they froze, glanced at each other, and quickly looked away. After they stood up, Cindy rushed over and grabbed Darcy's arm. "Hey, what happened? You two didn't say a single word after I left?" She winked exaggeratedly at Darcy. Darcy understood her intention. She took a deep breath. "Cindy, I appreciate what you're trying to do. But I'm not considering anything in my love life right now."