That strange restlessness crept back in. Fortunately, the vibrating phone on the table came to his rescue just in time. Jethro picked it up and walked toward the library entrance, keeping his voice low. Ten minutes later, the phone call finished, and he returned. But the seat opposite him was empty. Well, not entirely—her books were still there, her notebook still there. And on the open notebook page, a few large, bold words were written. He leaned down to look. It was a message from Darcy. "Had to bounce. Lunchtime." The handwriting was forceful and strong, the strokes sharp and deep—not the delicate, pretty script of most girls, more like a guy's handwriting.Jethro smiled, picked up a pen, and wrote his reply underneath. "I'll find you." Quest University had several cafeterias. But based on what Jethro knew of Darcy—not a foodie, not picky, always looking to save time—he figured she'd choose the closest one. Confident in his guess, he strolled downstairs. On the way, he attracted plenty of glances from female students. A few bold ones even approached, asking for his contact info. Jethro turned them all down flat. Inside the cafeteria, he scanned the room for Darcy. He was tall enough to have a decent vantage point standing in the middle of the bustling hall, but he still didn't see her. Was I wrong? Is she not here? "Bram, is the roast chicken here any good?"Jethro had just pulled out his phone to text Darcy and ask where she was when a familiar voice made him pause. He followed the sound. There was Darcy, smiling brightly, discussing which dishes were good with Bram. That smile was completely different from the reserved, cautious one she wore around him. Jethro's eyes narrowed slightly. He knew Bram, his uncle's prized student. He hadn't expected Darcy to be that close with Bram. Jethro picked up a tray and strode over, stopping behind them. "The roast chicken's so-so. The smoked brisket and honey-glazed ham are better." His deep voice made both Darcy and Bram startle and turn around. Seeing it was Jethro, Darcy blinked in surprise.Why is he still here? Does he need to stay for lunch just to read a book? Wouldn't it be better to borrow it and take it home? She only dared to ask these questions in her mind. Outwardly, she just smiled lightly, "You're eating here too?" "Yes. Continuing with the books this afternoon." Bram, standing across, studied Jethro carefully. The clothes, the manners, the way he spoke—everything screamed old money. Still... he looked familiar. Bram kept his doubts to himself for now. Taking Jethro's suggestion, Darcy ordered the smoked brisket and honey-glazed ham, plus a side of veggies and a helping of mashed potatoes. Then she and Bram carried their trays to find an empty table. They had just sat down when Jethro pulled out the chair next to Darcy and sat down, calm and natural, as if the three of them had planned to eat together all along. Bram shot Darcy a subtle look. Who is this guy? Darcy suddenly remembered she hadn't introduced them. "This is my new boss, Jethro Blackwood." Then she gestured to Bram across the table with a smile. "And this is Bram Marsh. He almost became my classmate five years ago. Now he's sort of my grad school prep tutor." Bram smiled, nodding at Jethro. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Blackwood." After the introductions, Bram and Darcy fell into a discussion about her studies, chatting as they ate. Jethro remained silent the entire time. It wasn't until they were almost finished that Darcy remembered the big shot sitting beside her—the one who held her future career in his hands. She couldn't just ignore him.She thought for a moment, then turned to Jethro. "Earlier, when we were ordering, you said the chicken was so-so and recommended the smoked brisket and honey-glazed ham. How do you know what's good here? Do you come to Quest University often?" Jethro took his time picking up another bite. "My uncle works here. I used to come here to find him a lot when I was a kid." Uncle? Bram finally remembered where he'd seen this elegant, distinguished man before. At Alistair's house. His eyes gleamed with realization. "Is your uncle... Prof. Reed?" Darcy was startled by his question. It couldn't be that much of a coincidence, could it? But Jethro simply nodded. "Yeah. Prof. Reed is my uncle." Darcy was utterly stunned. She and Bram exchanged a wide-eyed look.Unbelievable! Bram also thought it was an amazing coincidence, but his feelings quickly got complicated. This Mr. Blackwood, with Prof. Reed as an uncle, is the CEO of the Blackwood Group... a true high-society catch. He's getting so close to Darcy. Any hidden motives? Bram had been so excited when he heard Darcy had broken up with her ex. He had liked her for a while, but he was quiet by nature. He wasn't brave enough to tell her how he felt yet—he believed more in feelings growing over time. After lunch, all three headed back to the library. Bram explained some concepts Darcy hadn't grasped that morning, while Jethro quietly read his book. At three p.m., Bram got a call from Alistair and had to leave. Darcy kept studying, not paying Jethro any mind. By five o'clock, her day's review was finally done.