Mia was still stinging from the humiliation Darcy had put her through earlier—at the sound of Darcy's name, she couldn't help but let out a snort. Zora quirked an eyebrow. "Oh? Something went down between you two?" Mia gave a brief rundown of the earlier incident. She concluded, "She's got some skill, but not much. Only enough to fool those dumb guys." The implication was clear—Darcy was all looks and no real ability. Hearing that, Zora relaxed. She added, "Keep a close eye on her movements. Report any issues to me immediately." After hanging up, Zora looked at the man on the sofa. Lucian had just finished a cigarette. He uncrossed his long legs, one eyebrow shooting up. "Wait—did I just hear the name Darcy? If I'm not mixing things up, wasn't she SummitCore's former R&D director? Not just that—word is she ran both sales and R&D, and most of SummitCore's bottom line came from her work." Zora's expression instantly turned frosty. "Focus on your own job. How's the new product's R&D plan? Can we finish in Q1?" "Yeah. Only that patent is left." Zora said, "I'll handle the patent issue. Zane and I will meet with Prof. Reed tomorrow." A faint smile touched Lucian's lips as he stubbed out his cigarette. "Can I ask you something?" "Go ahead." "Why are you going to such lengths to help Zane?" Zora frowned. "What do you mean?" Lucian took two steps and sat on the edge of her desk, leaning forward with his hands planted on the surface, a lazy grin on his face. "I remember this face never moving without profit. If you told me you're breaking your back for Zane, I wouldn't buy it." "Hmph." Zora disdainfully slapped his hand away. "Don't touch me! This is the office!" "But you're right about one thing," she continued, her tone turning cold. "I've never been one to lose my head over love. As for my real purpose, it's none of your business. "In short, just remember this—I won't shortchange you. Complete the Q1 new product development as planned, get the company to its planned IPO, and your mission is accomplished." Leaving Zora's office, Lucian headed to the break room for coffee. He carefully mulled over her words. Clearly, Zora's ultimate goal was IPO. And thinking back to catching her in private talks with shareholders about transferring options... A cold smirk curled Lucian's lips. Yep, she's playing the long game.Just then, Zane came downstairs, and their eyes met. They nodded at each other in passing. Lucian couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the guy. Building a grand stage for your dream girl... I wonder how that feels. Zane had come down to find Zora. After much earnest persuasion from a Quest University faculty member, Alistair had finally agreed to a private meeting with the two of them. The time was set for tonight, at a modest restaurant near Quest University's back gate—the same place where Alistair had celebrated his birthday last time. Zora had wanted a more upscale venue, but he had politely declined, so she let it go. Still, it gave her an early insight into his character. She had done her homework on Alistair's preferences, learning of his fondness for calligraphy, paintings, and coffee. She spent a considerable sum acquiring some of his coveted favorites. Scholars might not care about money. But when it comes to their personal passions, it's hard to turn them down. When they arrived at the private room, Alistair was already seated, his demeanor composed. His prized student, Bram, was at his side. Zora and Zane traded a look. Zane stepped forward and bowed politely. "It's a great honor to have this opportunity for a private exchange with you, Prof. Reed." "You're too kind." Alistair gave a slight nod, his handshake brief. Once the four were seated, they ordered. After the room settled into quiet again, Alistair asked, "You asked to see me alone. I assume it's important. Go ahead." Well— They hadn't expected Alistair to cut straight to the chase. Zora and Zane were momentarily caught off guard. In social settings, Zora was a pro. Unflustered, she didn't answer that point. Instead, she smiled and said, "Prof. Reed, I heard you appreciate fine art and coffee. I happen to have a piece of painting and two bags of premium Ethiopian Yirgacheffe coffee. Please accept them as a token of our respect." Zane added, "As for business, there's no hurry. We can chat over the meal." Chatting over a meal—that's the businessperson's way. Alistair, however, disliked discussing work during meals. He waved a hand. "No need. I can't accept these. Let's just discuss what you came for." His refusal was simple and direct. For a moment, the room went stiff. Bram explained gently, "School rules. We can't take gifts. If you have something to discuss, say it. Prof. Reed doesn't like work talk during meals."Zora was a bit stunned. She hadn't seen that coming at all. This was completely different from anyone she'd ever dealt with before. In that case, she had no choice but to be direct and get to the point. "Prof. Reed, here's the thing," she began. "You hold a patent for the 'Automated Yield Curve Model,' which aligns perfectly with our latest product development. We want to buy it. We're serious. Name your price, we won't haggle." Before Alistair could respond, Bram's brow already furrowed.