Darcy was taken aback. So that was what her mother was referring to? A delighted grin spread across Ione's face. "I didn't know at first! The neighbor told me. Said there was a handsome young man standing at the entrance of our complex, just holding an umbrella, not saying a word, like a sentinel. If he wasn't so well-dressed and distinguished-looking, she'd have thought he was some poor soul who'd wandered out of a psychiatric hospital! "Out of curiosity, I went to look. And from a distance, I saw it was Zane! He must be here because he regrets breaking up with you. Darcy, don't take him back. Let that scumbag stew in his regret! I hope it eats him alive!" Darcy couldn't help but smile, "Don't worry, Mom. I'm not an idiot." Then, she looked at Ione earnestly. "Actually, Mom, about me and—" "Oh!" Ione clapped a hand to her thigh. "I knew something was missing! The soup! I forgot to bring the clam chowder out from the kitchen. Hold on, honey." Watching her mother hurry off, Darcy sighed. Fine. I'll tell her another day. The next day, Darcy went to visit Edmund, the president of Aethelburg Bank. Her goals were to update him on the current project, maintain their professional relationship, explore any new product needs, and ideally, secure a new contract. To her surprise, someone had arrived before her. Darcy stopped in her tracks at the sight of Jasper and Jenna already seated in the reception area. "Mr. Blackwood," she greeted with a slight nod, then took a seat, a questioning look in her eyes. "What brings you here today?" Before Jasper could speak, Jenna cut in sharply, "Is that any way to speak to Mr. Blackwood? He's the one in charge of Stratagem Tech. It's his prerogative to visit whomever he pleases. You have no right to question him. A word of advice, Ms. Gale—know your place. You're just a Vice President. Don't think your little connections give you the right to act so presumptuously!" Darcy's gaze shifted to Jenna, just a brief, cool glance, but it was enough to momentarily silence her. Darcy let out a soft, derisive laugh. "Ms. King, you advise me to know my place? I'll return the favor. I hope you understand that having a backer doesn't give you the right to provoke me. I earned my position here on merit. As for how you got in... well, I'm sure you know best." Jenna's eyes widened. She shot a guilty look at Jasper before shrinking back. "What nonsense! I didn't use any connections! I have relevant work experience!" "Oh? You mean your five years of waitressing experience somehow qualify you for this 'important' assistant role?" Jenna was horrified. She pointed a shaking finger at Darcy. "You—you—you had someone dig into me? That's my privacy! Who gave you the right?" Darcy smiled. "I wouldn't waste a dime investigating you. Coincidentally, a friend of mine used to frequent the steakhouse where you worked. Recognized you. And for the record, I never said you used connections. Your defensiveness speaks volumes." Jenna flushed, realizing she'd just confessed. She gritted her teeth, shooting a wounded look at Jasper. "Mr. Blackwood, do you see how she—" Jasper felt a wave of secondhand embarrassment. If Jenna weren't Annie's cousin, he wouldn't even have glanced at her resume. Clumsy and tactless, yet she had to pick a fight with the most capable person in the company. Utterly foolish. But for Annie's sake, he had to tolerate her. He took a steadying breath, addressing Darcy. "Ms. King means no real harm. She's just overly enthusiastic. Please don't hold it against her." Since her direct superior was intervening, Darcy couldn't press the issue. She straightened slightly. "Mr. Blackwood, are you also here to see Mr. Winston? Did you have an appointment? For what time?" Jasper frowned. "You're overstepping, Ms. Gale." "My apologies," Darcy said calmly. "I'm just concerned Mr. Winston might be confused. Two separate teams from the same vendor arriving at once—he might not know whom to see first." Jasper twirled his pen, a dismissive smirk on his face. "I'm sure Mr. Winston knows how to prioritize." Darcy fell silent. She glanced at her watch. Her appointment with Edmund was at three. It was in less than ten minutes. Clearly, by schedule, she was first. But Jasper was now the head of Stratagem Tech. Edmund would likely see him first. And if that happened, he'd have little time left for Darcy. A bank president's schedule was packed; he wouldn't waste extra minutes on one vendor. The ideal scenario was a joint meeting to save everyone's time. But judging by Jasper's tone, he wouldn't agree to that. Darcy sighed inwardly, debating whether she should just leave now.