But then she thought he was incredibly busy. Why would he remember some small award ceremony? She finally put her phone away. Right then, a group entered from outside—familiar faces, several often seen on TV. Jethro was at the center of the group. His features were sharp and defined, his posture tall and straight. The black suit he wore was clearly bespoke, exuding quality. Even his hair was styled with care. Darcy's heart gave an uncontrollable, sudden thump. The few female attendees in the room instantly focused their gazes on him. The group stopped at the front row. The district chief smiled at Jethro. "Mr. Blackwood, please, have a seat." Jethro gave a slight nod. "Thank you."Then he casually turned, letting his gaze sweep the room. Only after his eyes found Darcy did he take his seat. Darcy's chest tightened slightly. Was he... looking for me just now? The district chief took the stage, giving a speech of encouragement and congratulations before the awards began. "First, we present the group awards. The Best Tech Achievement Award goes to..." Following the host's announcement, three team representatives ascended the stage to receive trophies from the district chief. After the group awards came the individual ones. Darcy's category was here. "Next, we present the Most Groundbreaking Individual Award. Please welcome Ms. Darcy Gale! "The presenter for this award is Mr. Jethro Blackwood, President of the Blackwood Group. Please come to the stage."Darcy was stunned for a few seconds, then walked onto the stage. The stage was large, the music uplifting, the lights blinding. Standing in the center, Darcy could hardly see anyone or hear anything else clearly. Feeling slightly dazed, her world narrowed down to Jethro. He approached her with elegant grace, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching his lips, as lofty and untouchable as the moon and a clear breeze. An attendant brought over a tray. Jethro picked up the trophy and offered it to her, extending his hand. "Congratulations. Well deserved." His hand was warm and dry, giving her fingertips a brief, gentlemanly shake. Only then did Darcy snap back to reality. "Thank you." After the presentation, at the host's request, they took a photo together on stage. The two stood side-by-side, their high-level visuals a feast for the eyes. People in the audience couldn't help but tease them. "You know what? They actually look really good together!" "Yeah, doesn't this scene look like a wedding photo shoot?" "Ms. Gale is Mr. Blackwood's subordinate, right? They're perfect together." Zora, hearing this, scoffed coldly. What right does a woman from such a humble background have to be with the heir to the Blackwood Group? Gazing at the handsome, refined man on stage, Zora felt a wave of longing. How wonderful would it be if a man like that fell for me? Still, receiving an award presented by him wouldn't be bad either. Yep, Zora was also on the winners' list today. Although she'd been overshadowed by Darcy at the last product launch, the thing Lucian had whipped up wasn't a complete failure and had received some recognition from the district. So, she got an award too. However, it wasn't a major one, more of a "participation trophy"—something all key tech enterprises in the district received. But Zora didn't mind. As long as Jethro presented it. The host called her name. Zora stood, smoothing her dress. Zane, seated beside her, finally tore his gaze from the stage and gave her a faint smile. But when Zora walked onto the stage, she realized Jethro was no longer there. Looking down into the audience, she saw him deep in conversation with someone who looked like another official. The awards for their batch of "participation trophy" recipients were being presented by other district leaders. Zora felt her teeth grind. Why is Darcy the only one with such good luck?Why did Jethro only present an award to her? The thought startled even her. Could it be that Jethro actually has feelings for Darcy? No. Impossible! If that's true, I'm the first to say hell no! After the ceremony, there was a small reception for networking. As the recipient of the most prestigious award of the day, Darcy was immediately surrounded upon entering the banquet hall. Many raised glasses of champagne to congratulate her. "Congratulations," a voice said. Zora walked over, arm-in-arm with Zane, her words dripping with insincerity. Darcy's tone was cool. "Thank you." Seeing Darcy's aloof, dismissive attitude, Zora grew even angrier. But then, as if remembering something, a sly smile curved her lips. "Don't be so formal, Darcy. Do you have time for lunch? Your brother-in-law and I would like to treat you, to celebrate your award." Her words caused a stir, not just among those nearby, but even Zane looked visibly startled. He squeezed Zora's palm, frowning. "What brother-in-law? Don't talk nonsense." "I'm not talking nonsense," Zora said sweetly, her smile flawless. "It's one me, I should have told you about my connection with Darcy. I only found out recently that John is Darcy's biological father. Quite a coincidence, don't you think?"