Cade walked over and gave Darcy a nod. "Ms. Gale, the police have been notified. They're on their way." Jax's face turned ashen. He had a terrible premonition—his career was over. Busy with work, Darcy didn't go to the police station. She sent Cade to handle it. All the evidence had been meticulously compiled and organized with clear logic. At four in the afternoon, Cade called. "Ms. Gale, Jax confessed. Bex was also called in. They both admitted to leaking information." Darcy tightened her grip on the phone. "What about SummitCore? Weren't any of their people called in?" Cade sighed, "Bex is taking all the blame himself. He's insisting he acted alone, just to get back at you. The police found an offer letter in Jax's email, but it wasn't from 'SummitCore Tech.' It was a fake from 'SummitCoor Tech'—different spelling. It's obvious they covered their tracks."Darcy frowned. Bex is willing to destroy his own career for Zora's sake? She'd have to be extra cautious of this opponent in the future. "Alright, I see. The company's legal team will take over from here. Come back soon." Given the severity, the corporate lawyers would undoubtedly pursue the case to the fullest extent. This incident served as a stark warning. Darcy immediately drafted a company-wide email formally announcing the situation. She wouldn't pursue those who had spread rumors without knowing the truth, but she made it clear she wouldn't tolerate any future misconduct. With Jax dealt with, the R&D Director position still needed to be filled. This time, Darcy intended to hire a seasoned architect to support next year's development plan. After a moment's thought, she picked up the phone. "Mr. Blackwood, do you have a moment? I'd like to discuss the architect position." In his office, Jethro had his long legs crossed. "I heard about the situation with Jax. You handled it well." "Just doing my job," Darcy replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a pair of small pearl studs. She was calm and composed, not seeking praise. Jethro smiled inwardly. Sometimes, he wished this capable employee would make some requests of her own. Whatever they were, he'd find a way to fulfill them. Beyond that, he felt grateful once again that Darcy had chosen Stratagem Tech. If she were still at SummitCore, their own prospects would be bleak. "Mr. Blackwood, for Jax's position, I'd like to hire a seasoned architect. With next year's heavy R&D load, having one would cut the development pressure in half."Jethro agreed readily. "No problem. I actually have someone to recommend. He just moved back to Aethelburg from Valeridge. I'll have him send his resume to you. You two can set up an interview." Darcy nodded. "Alright." With business concluded, she stood to leave. Just then, her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, but she answered. To her surprise, it was Alistair. "Prof. Reed?" Darcy exclaimed, unable to hide her excitement. "What can I do for you?" After her exams, she had sent him a message, but he had only replied tersely with "noted." For him to call personally now was thrilling. Alistair grunted on the other end. "Is Jethro with you?" Darcy glanced at Jethro. "Yes, he is." "Good. Put me on speaker. I have something to tell both of you." Darcy placed her phone on the coffee table and tapped the speaker button. "We can hear you, Prof. Reed." Alistair cleared his throat. "I assume you've heard I'm setting up a research institute. The university has approved a space for me, but I need to procure all the equipment myself. I'm open to investment. Three companies have expressed interest in funding and participating in the research." As he spoke, Darcy instinctively looked at Jethro. Seeing him still relaxed, with his legs crossed and a faint smile on his lips, she understood instantly. The Blackwood Group must be one of those three investors. Alistair continued, "The institute is scheduled to officially open after Christmas. All my students will be involved in the projects. Ahem—" The proud, slightly awkward old man added, "You should come too. Weren't there two patents you never finished back then? This would be a good chance to apply for them." Darcy was stunned for a moment. He's inviting me?Did this mean he already considered her one of his own students? Her eyes grew moist, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Prof. Reed." Jethro glanced deeply at her, then reached over with his long fingers and picked up the phone. "Alright, Uncle. We can discuss post-Christmas plans after Christmas. Talk to you later." He hung up. Darcy blinked, still processing. "You hung up? Was he finished?" Jethro's lips pressed together slightly. He just felt that seeing her eyes glistening like that was a little too much for him to handle.