Twenty minutes later, the bank president, Edmund Winston, and his assistant arrived. "Mr. Winston, nice to meet you. I'm Darcy Gale from Stratagem Tech. This is my card." Darcy stepped forward to shake Edmund's hand, then presented her business card with both hands. Edmund took the card with a smile. "Ms. Gale, you truly are young and accomplished. Not yet 30 but already so successful. I saw that product launch event online and the district award ceremony. Your performance was indeed outstanding, head and shoulders above your peers." "You flatter me," Darcy said, smiling as she poured water for him. Edmund was around 40, of average build, more authoritative than approachable. But fortunately, he was a pragmatic person. Shortly after sitting down, he got straight to the point, discussing Aethelburg Bank's current operational pain points and system requirements. Darcy noted each point mentally and then roughly outlined her approach. Edmund nodded repeatedly. "Exactly. That's the kind of system we need—one that effectively improves traders' efficiency, reduces transaction risks, and ideally boosts profitability." Over the meal, both sides reached a preliminary agreement. As for more detailed requirements and proposals, Edmund would send someone to liaise with Stratagem Tech later. Seeing that the collaboration was basically secured, Darcy slowly let out a sigh of relief. She poured another cup of water for Edmund and then looked at him, asking jokingly, "Stratagem Tech is hardly impressive, and I'm just average at best. Yet, you reached out to me directly. Someone must have recommended us. I'm just curious who it is. This person is quite interesting, doing a good deed without leaving a name. I'd really like to thank them properly."Edmund's eyes flickered slightly. He looked away and chuckled, "Ms. Gale, you're too modest. Both Stratagem Tech and you personally are very impressive. No need for any recommendation. Ask around and everyone knows what you can do. Our bank is Aethelburg's number one city commercial bank. Of course, we choose partners with the best reputation." He was being evasive. It seemed he didn't want to reveal who was behind it. Since that was the case, Darcy didn't press further. If he wanted her to know, he'd tell her when the time was right. During the meal, Darcy also tried to subtly inquire about Voyager. Edmund responded with a deep, meaningful sigh. He didn't say anything, but it spoke volumes. Darcy's heart tightened. So the information in the anonymous text was accurate. There really was a problem with Voyager.After the meal, Darcy watched as Edmund and his assistant got into their car and drove away. After the car had driven a few hundred yards, Edmund, leaning back in the seat, took out his phone. "Hey, Lucian. Nailed it. She did ask who recommended her. Hah, but don't worry, I came prepared. My lips are sealed." Then, he raised an eyebrow. "You've got a thing for her? She's not bad—pretty, capable, steady, and efficient. Why not let her know you're the one helping her behind the scenes? She might just throw herself into your arms if she knew." Lucian chuckled softly on the other end of the line, "Uncle, you've got it wrong. Honestly, with her—it's just me looking out for a friend." "Hah, a friend? Don't try to fool me." "Ahem, Uncle, I've got something to attend to. Talk later." Edmund shook his head helplessly. Brat. Not a straight word out of him. Meanwhile, after watching Edmund's car disappear into the distance, Darcy withdrew her gaze. By chance, her eyes landed on the restaurant across the street. This street was narrow, lined with restaurants. Darcy could clearly see the people inside the opposite restaurant through the large glass walls. Through the entire glass wall, Darcy saw Jethro bathed in sunlight, a smile on his lips. His handsome profile was still enough to make hearts flutter. And the woman sitting across from him was smiling, radiant. Anyone seeing this scene would have to say, "What a perfect match." Darcy just watched quietly, as if time had frozen. Inside the restaurant across the street, Mara looked at the man opposite her with an apologetic expression. "Mr. Blackwood, sorry. I don't like the stuffy vibe of private rooms, so I dragged you out here to sit in the main hall." Mara was a top-tier lawyer in the industry. Her clients were wealthy and influential, so she knew people like them preferred places with strong privacy. But Jethro had called the waiter and changed their seating to the main hall simply because she mentioned she preferred places with sunlight. Moreover, a colleague at her firm had told her that Jethro's assistant had privately inquired about her preferences. Mara's heart stirred slightly. Her hand, stirring her drink, missed a beat. She studied the man opposite her—his sculpted features, strong jawline, noble yet gentle demeanor. Even his voice, deep and clear like the finest cello, was enough to make one's heart race. And on top of that, he was the eldest son of the Blackwood family, the head of the Blackwood Group. A guy like that, inside and out, just oozed charm. Hard to resist. Mara was a strong, independent woman who specialized in divorce cases. She had long lost faith in love and marriage.But if it was someone like Jethro, she thought it might be worth considering.