After a moment's thought, Jethro picked up his phone from the console and sent a message. "Thanksgiving tonight. No overtime. You and the subsidiary colleagues can head home early." Darcy received the message just as she arrived at the restaurant. She glanced at her phone, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. Ahem. I did leave right on time. Overtime? Out of the question. Still, she sent a compliant reply, "Okay." Just as she stepped inside, another message from Jethro popped up. "Thanksgiving plans tonight?" Darcy's fingers tightened on her phone. What does he mean by that?She took a breath. "Yes." "Oh. Any restaurant recommendations? A friend and I are thinking of going out." Darcy looked up at the restaurant's sign and sent the name to him. It was crowded, so the food was probably good. On the other end, the man receiving the message allowed a lazy smile to touch his lips. He turned the steering wheel, and the car shot forward like an arrow, merging into the evening traffic. Darcy spotted Bram waving to her. She walked over and sat down, smiling at him. "Thanks for the treat. You shouldn't have." Bram smiled shyly, "It's nothing. My pleasure." He had already ordered. Now that both were present, the server began bringing out the dishes. As Darcy reached for her fork, Bram pulled a gift from under the table and offered it to her. It was a box of chocolates—White Lover.Darcy pressed her lips together. "I'm sorry, I didn't get you anything. But... Bram, I can't accept this." Bram froze, feeling as if his heart had stopped. Darcy clenched her fists. "Bram, I know what you mean. I'm sorry, but I only see you as a friend. You know I just got out of a seven-year relationship. I'm not looking to start anything new right now." Bram's hands remained extended, holding the gift. At her words, the corners of his eyes reddened. I should have known. "Bram... Gwen likes you. You can see that, right?" Darcy asked carefully. "But I don't like her," Bram replied quietly. "I only see her as a junior." Darcy fell silent. Matters of the heart couldn't be forced. She gave Bram a soft smile. "Come on, let's eat." By the halfway point, Bram's mood had noticeably lightened. He said to Darcy, "Did you know Prof. Reed is setting up a research institute?""A research institute?" Darcy was intrigued. "He hasn't mentioned it to me." "He'll probably call you tomorrow. AI is really hot right now. He wants to combine AI with our financial engineering projects and develop some intelligent AI tools." "That's a fantastic idea," Darcy said. "I've actually thought about researching that area before but never had the bandwidth." Bram smiled, "I knew you'd be interested. That's why I insisted he invite you to join." Darcy was taken aback. "Can I? I haven't even been accepted to Quest U yet." "That's okay. This institute isn't affiliated with the university—it's Prof. Reed's personal initiative, a collaboration with industry partners. The research findings won't belong to the school, but to the institute and Prof. Reed himself." "In that case, if Prof. Reed doesn't mind, I'd love to join," Darcy said, her lips curving slightly. "Mind? He'd be thrilled!" Bram assured her.Their smiling, engaged conversation was visible from a car parked across the street. Bram likes Darcy? Jethro only realized it now. But judging by Darcy's demeanor, she seemed to only have a friendly, collegial regard for him. Feeling a sense of relief, Jethro drove away. He was actually getting a bit hungry now. Time to find a place to grab a bite. After the meal, Darcy excused herself to the restroom and discreetly settled the bill on her way. As she turned around, she nearly collided with two figures—Zane and Zora. Darcy's gaze briefly swept over them before she lowered her head and continued walking. Zane stood rooted to the spot, his eyes involuntarily following her retreating figure. He saw her rise from her seat with a man, and his expression instantly turned cold. "Zane?" Zora called to him."I'll be right there. Need to use the restroom," Zane said, heading in the opposite direction. Outside the restaurant, Darcy offered Bram a ride. Bram, needing some time alone, politely declined. She unlocked her car and was about to pull the door open when a hand grabbed her arm. Darcy jumped, startled. When she saw it was Zane, annoyance flared. "Let go!" she said coldly. Zane was taken aback. She's speaking to me like this now? He took a sharp breath. "Who was that you were eating with? Your new boyfriend?" "None of your business," Darcy snapped, trying to pull free, but his grip was too strong. Zane let out a cold, mocking laugh. "You're full of surprises. First, it's Jethro. Now, some random pretty boy. Are you trying to get back at me by seducing one man after another?" Darcy was utterly speechless. "Don't flatter yourself. This has nothing to do with you."