Jethro crossed his long legs. "It's going well. We'll continue sponsoring your lab this year. If nothing else, you'll have all the graphics cards you need." Graphics card prices had been skyrocketing for years. Alistair's lab required immense computing power, which Quest University couldn't fully fund. The Blackwood Group's sponsorship was crucial. Alistair was pleased. Wanting to return the favor, he said, "That tech company of yours—let me know if you ever need help. The master's and PhD students under me are very capable." Stratagem Tech's work aligned perfectly with the talent in financial engineering. It was a perfect match. But Jethro just smiled. "No need for now. I recently hired someone quite remarkable. I believe she'll have the company on the right track soon." "Oh? Who is this remarkable person?" Alistair was curious."I'll introduce you another time. I'm sure you'll like her." Thinking of Darcy, Jethro deepened his smile. Alistair stroked his chin. "A woman?" "Yes." "You love her?" "... 'Appreciate' is a more accurate term." "If you don't object to the idea, you should try spending time with her. It's been nine years since you and Annie split up." Jethro's brow furrowed slightly, the smile fading from his lips. He steered the conversation back. "So it's settled. I'll pick you and Aunt Seren up tomorrow at noon." As he stood to leave, Alistair rubbed his hands together hesitantly. "Will... will your grandparents be there?" In his youth, Alistair had been rebellious. Unlike other members of the Reed family who went into business, he chose academia and research. This led to fierce arguments with his parents, severely straining their relationship. They rarely saw each other now. He didn't even return to the Reed Manor for the holidays, usually sending gifts through his nephew. Despite the family's wealth, Alistair and his wife preferred their modest faculty housing. Jethro reassured him, "Don't worry. They aren't coming." Hearing this, Alistair visibly relaxed. He adjusted his glasses. "Tomorrow at noon, my students are throwing me a little birthday gathering too. I told them I'd only stop by briefly. How about this, you take me to their event first. I'll say a few words, and then we can go to the restaurant." "Sure, that works." ... The next day, around noon, Bram scanned the private room. He didn't see Darcy.He checked the time on his phone. Alistair would be here soon. What's going on with Darcy? Is she standing me up again? It had taken effort to persuade Alistair to come. Bram had even hinted at a surprise. If Darcy didn't show, it would be such a waste. Thinking this, Bram left the room and stepped into the hallway to call her. The call connected quickly. "Darcy, are you on your way?" he asked, a frown in his voice. There was a slight pause on the other end. "Yes, I'm on my way." Bram felt relieved. "Good. Prof. Reed will be here soon. He's only staying for a short while. Try to hurry. I... we'll wait for you." Another ten minutes passed. A Rolls-Royce stopped at the curb near the back entrance of Quest University, outside a restaurant. Jethro raised a brow, glancing into the back seat. "Uncle, do I need to accompany you inside?"Alistair waved a hand. "Don't bother. You reek of money. My students wouldn't know how to act around you." Jethro chuckled good-naturedly, playing along by sniffing his casual blazer. "It's not the smell of money. It's the new cologne Cindy gave me." Seren smiled. "Cindy's back?" "Yes, she just returned from her business trip last night. She'll be at the restaurant later." "Good. Your uncle and I haven't seen her in ages. We've missed her." Alistair entered the private room. His students, who had been fooling around, immediately straightened up when they saw him. Bram checked his phone again, his brow furrowed. Where is Darcy? She should be here by now. Pushing down his concern, Bram stood up and placed a birthday hat on Alistair's head. He then coaxed him into blowing out the candles on the cake and making a wish. Alistair pretended to protest, calling it foolishness, but he humored his students nonetheless. After thanking them and reminding them about their research project deadlines, Alistair moved to leave. Bram quickly cut a slice of cake and handed it to him. "Prof. Reed, have a piece of cake before you go." The others chimed in, "Yeah, have some cake! It's really good, the latest trendy place." Alistair gave a resigned smile, took the slice of cake from Bram, and chatted with them while he ate. Another five minutes passed. Alistair made to stand again. This time, Bram was quicker, serving him a piece of steak. "Prof. Reed, try the steak here. It's even better than what Mrs. Reed makes." Everyone knew Alistair loved meat. He often praised his wife's cooking to his students and frequently invited them over for meals. Bram's unusual behavior began to raise Alistair's suspicions. What's going on with this kid today? Of all his students, Bram was usually the most mature and perceptive. His actions today were odd. Still, Alistair took a bite of the steak.