"I quit," Zora said, frowning, and forcefully pushed his hand away. "Quit?" Lucian raised an eyebrow, feigning disbelief. Zora glanced around the hotel room, then pulled a key from her purse. "Stay here tonight. Tomorrow, move into this apartment." Lucian nodded. He took the cigarette from his mouth and crushed it in the ashtray. "I'll come to your office to report in tomorrow?" "Wait for me in the lobby. I'll take you to see Zane." "Zane." Lucian repeated the name slowly, a hint of playfulness on his tongue. He lowered his gaze with a smirk. "You're serious about this guy?" "I'll say it again—mind your own business," Zora replied coldly. "We're doing this like we did overseas. I pay, you work. Back then, you did my homework, took my exams, and wrote my papers. Now, you solve my work problems. Got it?" Lucian looked up, his sharp eyes carrying a trace of something dark. For a split second, Zora felt a flicker of fear, but it vanished as quickly as it came. She pursed her red lips. "Don't forget, your sister is in my hands." Lucian chuckled lightly. Gone was the previous intensity; he now looked every bit the charming, roguish gentleman. He hooked a long arm around Zora's slender waist, pulling her close. "Stay tonight? It's been a while since we..." He leaned in, but Zora pushed him away. "Cut it out," she said with clear distaste. "What?" he murmured, his voice low. "Didn't you say like overseas? Don't you remember how wild we were over there..." His nimble fingers traced a slow path down her spine, then around to her front, moving over her neck, collarbone, and further down... Zora took a sharp breath, twisting away from his touch. "Stop. I wasn't clear. From today, our arrangement doesn't include that. From now on, you just work for me." "What kind of work?" Zora shot him a glare. "You're only responsible for R&D work. Anything else requires my permission." Lucian nodded, a lazy smile on his face. "Okay, okay." Early the next morning, Lucian arrived at the SummitCore building lobby and texted Zora. Soon, she came down to escort him to the top floor. In the elevator, she warned in a low voice, "You know what to say and what not to say." A faint smile touched Lucian's lips. "I know." Exiting the elevator, Zora led the way directly to the CEO's office. Seeing Zora, Rex immediately stood up. "Mr. Vance is expecting you." Without even knocking, Zora pushed the door open and walked in.This small action didn't escape Lucian's notice. His eyebrow lifted slightly. So, Zora and Zane are even closer than I thought. Zora made the introductions. "This is my senior from university, Lucian Yorke. This is Mr. Vance." "Mr. Vance, hello. I'm Lucian Yorke." Lucian extended his hand. Zane shook it. "Hello. Please, have a seat." The three then discussed work. Lucian outlined his education and work experience in Ardentis and shared his ideas for the company's R&D direction for the coming year. Zane was quietly impressed. Lucian's capabilities exceeded his expectations. Not only had he quickly grasped the company's situation, but he also provided a solid framework for future development. No wonder Zora recommended him. He glanced at Zora, who happened to turn to look at him at the same moment. Their eyes met, and they shared a smile.Zora smoothed her long hair. "I'll take Lucian downstairs now." "Alright. Let me know if you need any help with work." On the way down, Lucian tilted his head and suddenly asked, "Who is Darcy?" Zora paused, frowning. "Why are you asking about that name?" Lucian replied casually, "It was on the materials you sent me earlier. The R&D plan I just discussed? It's all based on her work. She's impressive. Is she also downstairs?" Zora pressed her lips together. "She's left the company. You're taking over her position. I expect you to outperform her." "I see," Lucian said thoughtfully. "Still, I'd really like to meet her if I get the chance." "Don't mention her name in front of me again!" Zora snapped, displeasure clear in her voice. Lucian shrugged. "Sorry. You've picked up a lot of new rules since coming back just two months ago. You used to be much more... unrestrained." Downstairs, Zora introduced Lucian to the R&D team. "From now on, Mr. Yorke will be in charge of all R&D work. Everyone reports to him." With that, she turned and entered her Vice President's office. The R&D team exchanged puzzled looks. Lucian smiled warmly, "I'm new here. Looking forward to working with you all. Dinner is on me tonight." Free dinner naturally lifted everyone's spirits. Lucian settled into the Director's office, pulled out his laptop, and got to work. He'd done product development abroad for years, and the fintech scene there was more advanced. In under half a day, he had his plan straight. However, when he opened the folder of materials Zora had previously sent him, he couldn't help but feel a spark of genuine admiration for the work within.Darcy... Such a lovely name. She must be quite something. He really did want to meet her.