Jasper tried to reply, only to find that Cindy had blocked him. Furious, he hurled his phone across the room. In the hotel room, Darcy was applying a face mask when she learned Cindy had impulsively resigned in a fit of anger. She was shocked. Cindy stood with her hands on her hips, still fuming. "Jasper's gone completely rotten. Daring to use me! As if my years of seniority over him were for nothing." Seeing Darcy's concerned look, she reassured her, "It's fine. I only worked for fun anyway. Having the job or not makes no real difference. It's not like I need the money." Darcy froze. Ouch. The sting of truth. Money really does equal freedom. As if reading her mind, Cindy turned the comfort back on her. "Don't stress about yourself. I've heard the entire board and major shareholders are unhappy with Jasper. It won't be long before he has to bow his head and apologize to you." Darcy smiled gently, "Let's hope so." The next day, their vacation wrapped up nicely. They flew back to Aethelburg. After a hug at the airport, they went their separate ways. Darcy headed straight home, while Cindy went to the company to complete her resignation formalities. The day after that was a regular Saturday. It happened to be the official start of the semester, so Darcy got up early and headed to the university to register. For the Blackwood Manor, however, this Saturday was anything but ordinary. Today was the recognition banquet specially arranged for Jett. By 10 AM, guests began arriving one after another.Arthur, dressed in a tailored grey suit, stood at the entrance with the butler's support, welcoming guests. Jasper was by his side as well. Close to 11 AM, Jethro arrived fashionably late. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, a crisp tie accentuating his handsome, noble features. Arthur glared at him. "Today is your son's recognition banquet, and you arrive later than the guests. What's the meaning of this?" Jethro smiled, "With you and the butler here, what do I have to worry about?" "You certainly know how to take it easy," Arthur grumbled. Jethro took his place beside Arthur, glancing meaningfully at his cousin. "I'm surprised you're here so early, Jasper." Jasper lowered his gaze. "After all, Jett is a Blackwood and my nephew. It's only right." As more guests arrived, the butler had a servant take a tally of how many had come.A moment later, the servant reported. Arthur looked expectantly into the distance before turning back to Jethro. "Where are your mom and Cindy?" Jethro paused. "They've got things to handle." Meaning they would not be attending today. Arthur thumped his cane on the marble floor. "Nonsense!" He sighed, then asked, "What about the Reed family?" The Reed family was Jethro's maternal grandparents, Clara's family. Invitations had been sent ahead of time, and Arthur had personally called to inform them. Yet today, there was no sign of the Reeds. Jethro considered for a moment. "Grandpa and Grandma aren't feeling well and can't attend. As for Uncle Alistair, today is Quest University's opening day. He can't get away." Arthur fell silent. After a long while, he said quietly, "They blame me."Jethro supported Arthur's arm. "No. Please don't think that. It's just a scheduling conflict." Arthur knew Jethro was comforting him, but at this point, he could only accept it. Seeing that most guests had arrived, the three men and the butler turned to go inside. Arthur asked casually, "Has Jett been picked up?" The butler was taken aback. "I'll go check the rear reception room." Considering the many tasks at the Manor, the butler hadn't gone to fetch Jett personally but had sent a trusted driver. By now, they should've arrived. The child was probably playing in the back hall. But why hadn't the driver reported back? The butler frowned, a bad feeling stirring. Suddenly, the driver called. The butler stopped walking and answered immediately. The driver's voice was hesitant. "Mr. Fenn, he won't stop crying and refuses to get in the car."The butler frowned. "Didn't I tell you to bring some toys and snacks to coax him?" "I did. It's no use. He hid in his room as soon as he heard he had to leave his mother. Won't come out." "This..." The butler was also at a loss. A child not wanting to be separated from his mother was normal. He moved the phone away from his ear and looked at Arthur. What should we do? Arthur's brow furrowed deeply. He instinctively glanced at Jethro. Jethro spread his hands. "Don't look at me. Looking at me won't solve it." As everyone was at a loss, Annie's soft voice came through the phone. "Mr. Arthur Blackwood, how about I go with Jett?"Arthur's face instantly darkened. It had been agreed beforehand that the Blackwood family's recognition was for their bloodline only, not for the birth mother. Now, she was taking the initiative to ask to come. Arthur's guard shot up immediately. Annie quickly explained, "Please don't misunderstand. I'll only be there to accompany him, out of sight. Once we arrive, I'll stay in the banquet's back reception area. No one except Blackwood staff will see me."