Zane still felt something was off. He glanced at Darcy's car, parked nearby but dark and empty. "So where is she then? Her car's here, engine off, no one inside. She attacked you and then just vanished on foot?" Hearing the skepticism in his voice, Zora pushed him away, incensed. "What's that supposed to mean? You think I'm lying?" "No, I just think the situation is odd." "Yes, you do!" Zane sighed, "There should be security cameras around here. Let's talk to mall security." Zora bit her lip. "There aren't any cameras in this section!" "Then we should call the police." No, we can't do that either. Fury burned through her, so intense she tasted blood where her teeth sank into her lip. "Next time you see her, you hit her back for me!" "Zora," Zane said, his patience wearing thin. "Let's not make a scene. Just go home." She stared at him, disbelief etching her features. "Someone assaults your fiancée, and you just want to go home?" His gaze turned cold as he met her eyes. "I suggested two solutions. You rejected both. So, what do you propose we do?" His cold, logical response filled her with a bitter despair. Hot tears of rage and frustration spilled over. Zane. I'll remember your heartlessness today. Soon—very soon—you'll be the one begging me! Meanwhile, Darcy found the black Rolls-Royce and slipped into the back seat. Jethro had been working on his laptop but closed it immediately upon her arrival, setting it aside. "Such a diligent CEO, working even on a date?" Darcy teased with a smile. "Makes me look like a slacker in comparison."Jethro rubbed his nose and looped an arm around her waist. "The boss works hard so his employees can take it easy." Darcy froze. Okay, how do I handle this sudden surge of... happiness? She leaned into his embrace. Jethro lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. As he did, he noticed her palm was flushed and unusually warm. Almost as if... she'd just slapped someone. Darcy followed his gaze to her own hand, noticing the slight frown on his brow. She offered a breezy explanation. "Ran into those same two dogs on the way over. Couldn't help it—gave one a few slaps." Jethro froze. A heavy silence filled the car. Because on Jethro's phone, still in his pocket, was the latest message from the mall owner, "Mr. Blackwood, we've conducted a thorough sweep. I can personally guarantee there are absolutely NO unauthorized dogs in the mall. Zero!" Sensing his bewilderment, Darcy looped her arms around his neck, deftly changing the subject. "Been busy lately? You seem like you've lost a bit of weight." Jethro offered a gentle smile. "Do I?" "You do," Darcy insisted, her eyes softening. "Is it because of the upcoming board meeting?" His lips thinned slightly. "Yes. It's in two days. The entire executive office has been swamped with preparations." Darcy raised an eyebrow. "Even you?" Jethro's own eyebrow lifted in a faint, wry echo. "Even me. Your boyfriend is also a corporate employee, answerable to the board and the shareholders." Her smile was bright. "That's different. You're an executive employee. Not like the rest of us grunts." He ruffled her hair. "Not so different." Suddenly, Darcy's expression grew more serious. "Cindy mentioned that your grandfather specifically asked Jasper to attend this board meeting." Jethro's thick eyelashes gave the slightest tremble. A low "Mm" rumbled from his chest. He wasn't one to easily show his hand, so he quickly masked the reaction with a calm smile. "Jasper is family. He's always been a board member. He just wasn't able to attend while he was overseas. Now that he's back, it makes sense for him to be there." Darcy met his eyes, her voice firm and steady. "Whatever happens, I'm on your side." He held her tighter. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine." Two days later, the board meeting proceeded as scheduled. The specifics of what was discussed remained, of course, far above the pay grade of someone like Darcy. However, the very next day, a company-wide email from the Blackwood Group's HR department sent shockwaves through Stratagem Tech. The first announcement read, "In recognition of Stratagem Tech's outstanding performance, the Group will formally integrate Stratagem Tech under its centralized management structure, providing enhanced financial and strategic resource support." The second was a bolt from the blue. "Effective immediately, Mr. Jasper Blackwood is appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Stratagem Tech. Ms. Darcy Gale, former CEO, is hereby re-assigned to the position of Vice President, reporting directly to Mr. Jasper Blackwood." The news spread like wildfire. The entire Stratagem Tech office was in an uproar, buzzing with speculation about the mysterious new executive. "Surname Blackwood—definitely a family." "I heard from a friend inside the Group—the new CEO's from the second branch. He's been abroad for years, just came back, and boom—got a subsidiary CEO gig." "Ugh, born with a silver spoon. Different world from us plebs." But there were also voices of fierce dissent."Total nepotism! Some trust-fund brat with zero work experience just waltzes in and takes Ms. Gale's spot? What gives?"