Just then, the reception room door opened. A young woman with a round, cheerful face peered in. "Excuse me, who is the lead representative from Stratagem Tech?" Jenna's eyes lit up. She eagerly pointed at Jasper. "This is Mr. Blackwood! He's the person in charge!" She then shot a triumphant glance at Darcy. See? We win. Darcy met her gaze impassively and looked away. The bank president's executive assistant was waiting outside the office. Seeing the young receptionist leading a strange man toward him, his brows furrowed in surprise. "I asked you to bring the lead representative from Stratagem Tech. Why are you bringing a stranger?"The receptionist looked from Jasper to the assistant, her face flushing. "But... this gentleman said he is the person in charge from Stratagem Tech." The assistant was taken aback, scrutinizing Jasper. "Has Ms. Gale left the company? That can't be right. We spoke on the phone just yesterday." Jasper smoothly produced a business card and offered it. "Hello. I'm Jasper Blackwood, newly appointed CEO of Stratagem Tech. I'm here to pay my respects to Mr. Winston." The assistant was stunned. A leadership change? When did this happen? He hadn't heard a thing. He adjusted his glasses. "My apologies, Mr. Blackwood. As you don't have a scheduled appointment, I need to check with Mr. Winston." Jasper straightened his cuff. "Of course." The assistant promptly knocked and re-entered the office. The next moment, Edmund's booming voice carried clearly through the crack in the door. "No. I only see people I have appointments with." Jasper's face darkened instantly. The young receptionist paled, trembling. Oh no. Did I mess up? Am I going to get fired? The assistant emerged, seeing Jasper's stormy expression. He knew the man had overheard. "My apologies again, Mr. Blackwood. Without a prior appointment, I'm afraid you'll need to reschedule for another day." His tone was polite but firm. Jasper's jaw tightened, but Aethelburg Bank was a key client. He couldn't afford to show his displeasure, even to an assistant. He gave a stiff nod. "My mistake for the intrusion." Back in the reception room, Jenna was confused. "Mr. Blackwood, you're back so soon? Did you forget something? You could have just called me."She glanced around the table and chairs. "It doesn't look like you left anything..." She scratched her head, muttering, then looked back at Jasper. His jaw was clenched, his expression thunderous. Jenna immediately shut up. "Ahem." The executive assistant cleared his throat, his gaze settling kindly on Darcy. "Ms. Gale? Mr. Winston will see you now." Darcy was surprised. "Me?" "Yes. Your three o'clock appointment." "Okay." Understanding dawned instantly. Jasper had been turned away. She picked up her briefcase and walked toward the door. As she passed Jasper, their eyes met briefly. She could feel the hostility radiating from him. She ignored it, pretending not to notice, and followed the assistant out. Jenna glared at Darcy's retreating back through the glass door. "Smug little witch!" she spat. She turned to Jasper, pouting. "Mr. Blackwood, you're the head of Stratagem Tech now. Mr. Winston should see you first, appointment or not! The fact that he's sticking to his schedule to see her... I say we drop Aethelburg Bank as a client!" Jasper lifted his head and stared at her like she'd lost her mind. Even though she was Annie's cousin, this level of stupidity was too much. The largest local commercial bank, a client every company fought to secure—a relationship that, if managed well, could bring in tens of millions in annual contracts—and she suggested dropping them on a whim? He took a deep, strained breath. "For God's sake, use the brain you were born with, if only occasionally!" Jenna stared after Jasper's back for a long beat before it hit her—he'd just cussed her out. Furious, she hurled the folder in her hand against the wall.Jasper, who do you think you are? You're just my cousin's lapdog! In the president's office, Edmund removed his reading glasses and gestured warmly. "Darcy, have a seat." After some pleasantries, Darcy gave a detailed update on the project's progress. Edmund listened, nodding with satisfaction. "With you overseeing it, I'm at ease. You're responsible and trustworthy. I have faith in you." Touched by the praise, Darcy responded sincerely, "Thank you for your confidence, Mr. Winston. You have my word, as long as I'm with the company, the project will stay on track and launch on time." Edmund smiled slowly. Then, his tone turned thoughtful. "That almost sounds like you're contemplating leaving Stratagem Tech someday?"