Jethro didn't reply further. Instead, he turned his phone face down on the desk. He felt inexplicably restless. Rowan knocked and entered to remind him that the meeting was about to start. Jethro glanced at the schedule. The meeting was scheduled to run until the end of the workday. He frowned, then tossed his phone to Rowan. "If there's any news or a call from Ms. Gale, notify me immediately." Rowan was stunned. His boss usually despised any interruptions during meetings. What was going on today? He glanced out the window. The sun was still rising in the east. ... Cindy followed Darcy out of the elevator. Darcy pressed her lips together. "You really didn't have to come. I'm perfectly fine on my own." "I know, you're super capable," Cindy said with a grin. "But even the strongest people need a support system. I'll be your cheerleader in the back, waving pompoms!" Truthfully, she had a covert mission. They pulled up to the arbitration building. As they parked, they saw Zane and Zora getting out of another car. Having no goodwill towards the people she was about to face in a hearing, Darcy didn't even glance their way, heading straight inside. But Zane grabbed her arm. His jaw was tight, teeth clenched. "Last chance. Say you'll come back now, and I'll withdraw the arbitration immediately." Darcy met his gaze directly. "Mr. Vance, for the last time—I will not." Zane didn't release her arm. His eyes were bloodshot. "Fine. New terms. You don't have to return to SummitCore. Just resign from Stratagem Tech, and I'll still withdraw the arbitration." Darcy took a deep breath. She realized, for the first time, how utterly exhausting it was to communicate with him. She forcefully shook off his grip. "Listen clearly. I am not returning to SummitCore, and I am not resigning." "Have you thought about the consequences of losing?" Zane's voice was icy. "Three million dollars. Can you pay that?" Cindy, standing to the side, had heard enough. She pulled Darcy behind her. She pointed a finger at Zane's face, raising her voice. "Three million is nothing! If Darcy loses, I'll pay it!" Zane was speechless. He recognized this woman. She was the heiress of the Blackwood Group, Jethro's sister. He couldn't afford to underestimate her. Zora was also shocked.She'd seen Darcy and Cindy together during their business trip but assumed they were just colleagues. She never imagined Cindy would be so fiercely protective of Darcy. In such a short time, they seemed as close as best friends. Did that mean Jethro also... Lately, Zora had tried various methods to get close to Jethro, to inform him about Darcy's non-compete agreement with SummitCore, but nothing had worked. As a last resort, she'd tried sending messages through mutual acquaintances, but Jethro never responded. Now, hearing Cindy's words, was the Blackwood Group preparing to back Darcy fully? Fine. Even if the Blackwoods back her, I have ways to ruin her reputation in the industry. Once they won the arbitration, she would immediately spread the news throughout the sector. What client would want to work with someone who breached contracts?Over time, Jethro would surely fire Darcy. A slight smile touched Zora's lips as she thought of that. "Zane, if Ms. Gale refuses our goodwill, there's no need to persuade her further," Zora said, linking her arm with his. Then she looked challengingly at Darcy. "I'm sorry, but we won't be going easy on you." Darcy's lips curved in a cold smirk. "It's not decided yet who will win or lose." Zora raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. However, the look she gave Darcy held a trace of pity, as if saying, "Still talking tough when you're about to lose? How pathetic." Cindy ushered Darcy into the elevator first. Once the doors closed and they were alone, Cindy leaned in and whispered, "Are you really sure about this?" "Yes, don't worry. The evidence to turn things around is right here," Darcy said confidently, patting the folder in her hand.But Cindy was still worried. "They look like they've consulted lawyers in advance. The fine is one thing; I'm more worried about your reputation in the industry." Darcy smiled, "I won't lose. "Also, they're overconfident. I doubt they even consulted a lawyer." "How do you know?" Cindy asked, surprised. "A hunch." Cindy took a deep breath and patted her chest. It'll be fine. Even if her reputation takes a hit, Jethro will find a way to fix it. At ten o'clock, the arbitrator and assistant entered. Both parties were seated at tables on opposite sides of the hearing room. The arbitration assistant approached, first checked the IDs of all four individuals, and then announced the official commencement of the proceedings. The arbitrator began by reading out the claims of the plaintiff—SummitCore Tech.