Seeing Darcy, he paused. "And this is...?" Jethro made the introductions. "This is Ms. Darcy Gale, the head of Stratagem Tech." At the name, Jasper's expression flickered, but he extended his hand smoothly. "Ms. Gale." Jethro then turned to Darcy. "This is my cousin, Jasper Blackwood. He's been living abroad. Just returned yesterday." Darcy instantly got it—yesterday, when Arthur called Jethro home, it was because Jasper had returned to Aethelburg. She shook Jasper's hand. "A pleasure." The three made small talk for a minute. Jasper kept glancing sideways at Darcy. When she caught his eye, he'd quickly look away. After this happened a few times, a strange feeling settled in her gut. Does he know me? With that question lingering, Darcy headed downstairs. As she exited the elevator, she ran into Cindy. Darcy mentioned the encounter with Jasper. Cindy frowned. "He actually showed up at the office?" "I hadn't heard much about him before," Darcy said carefully. "Yeah," Cindy replied, looking down. "He and his mom live overseas. They never come back." That explains it. Darcy didn't pry further. It was a Blackwood family matter. As she turned to leave, Cindy pulled her into a quiet corner, whispering, "You're curious about my cousin, aren't you?" Darcy felt a flicker of embarrassment. "Is it that obvious?" Cindy grinned. "When you're not interested, you don't ask. So, yes. But I'm not telling you. Let Jethro do it." Darcy's gaze flickered. "That's not really appropriate. I'm not close to Mr. Blackwood, and he's very busy. It's fine, I was just a little curious." Cindy crossed her arms, leaning against the wall, her eyes narrowing as she studied Darcy silently. It was unnerving. "Why are you looking at me like that?" "You and Jethro aren't close? I saw you kissing!" Darcy immediately covered Cindy's mouth, her other hand making a frantic shushing motion. "Quiet!" Then she paused. Hold up—they'd only kissed a handful of times, always in private. How could Cindy have seen? Cindy pulled her hand away, grinning triumphantly. "Gotcha. I was bluffing. You're too honest." Darcy was utterly defeated. Cindy leaned in, eyes sparkling with gossipy glee. "So? How was it? Kissing my brother must be amazing." Darcy cleared her throat, urging her to lower her voice. "We're not officially together yet." She explained the three-month "probation period." Cindy gave her a look that screamed "what kind of game are you two playing?" but nodded in understanding, given Darcy's recent painful history. Caution made sense. "Please don't tell anyone about us," Darcy pleaded. "Anyone at all." She offered a bittersweet smile. "If things don't work out, it'll be less awkward." Cindy promised, "My brother is nothing like that scumbag Zane. He won't let you down." Darcy smiled but said nothing. No one could guarantee anything in matters of the heart. Speaking of Zane, Cindy couldn't resist a jab. "Rumor has it Harlan is furious, talking about calling off the engagement. If Zane insists on marrying Zora, he might get disowned. But Zane's so brainwashed, he still believes she's innocent, the victim of a smear campaign. What a deluded fool! The evidence online is rock solid. How can he still believe her? It's insane."Darcy felt nothing about it now. Still, hearing Zane might be cast out made her sigh inwardly. Years ago, founding SummitCore had been his way of proving to the Vance family that he was just as capable as Lilian, that he could lead the Vance Group to glory. Now, he was willing to risk disinheritance for Zora. I guess that's true love. At lunch, Jethro took Jasper out, inviting Cindy along. It was a casual meal among the younger generation. Seizing the relaxed atmosphere, Cindy asked directly, "Jasper, how long are you staying? Grandpa said you're attending the board meeting. Leaving right after?" She smiled, trying to sound casual. "Not that I'm kicking you out! If you're staying longer, I can show you around. Aethelburg has changed a lot." Jasper's reply was calm. "Grandpa's eighty-sixth birthday is next month. I'll stay for that."Cindy's smile tightened. His grandfather's birthday was a full month away. It seemed her cousin planned on staying in the country for a while.