"To be honest, I never had any real interest in running a company. Before... it was all obsession. People like you and Jethro are the ones truly suited for it." Having said that, he looked up at Darcy, his hands unconsciously clenching. "I asked you here not just to apologize in person, but also to ask a favor." Darcy met his gaze, indicating he should go ahead. Jasper said, "I know my actions since returning this time have hurt my cousins deeply. I... I owe them an apology." For the sake of pitiful pride and obsession, he had almost destroyed the family bonds between them. He continued, "I don't have the face to see them, nor the courage to tell them 'sorry' myself. I'd like you to convey that for me. Ask them not to worry. I won't disturb their lives anymore. Regarding the board, I've already voluntarily stepped down. From now on, the Blackwood Group will belong entirely to Jethro." Darcy blinked, understanding Jasper's meaning. He was saying their branch of the family would no longer participate in any decision-making, returning full control to Jethro. For the Blackwood family's century-old legacy, they would take only their rightful share, with no further ambitions for more. "Alright. I'll convey that." Darcy nodded. After Jasper left, Darcy sat in the café alone for a while. While scrolling through her phone, she saw Cindy's Instagram post about afternoon tea. She shot Cindy a quick message on WhatsApp. Cindy was much more direct, immediately returning a video call. "Hah! Rare to see you slacking off during work hours. Unless I'm mistaken, you're at the café downstairs from the office, right?" Cindy teased with a mischievous grin, as if she'd discovered a huge secret. Darcy smiled and relayed Jasper's visit and his message for the siblings. Cindy put down her spoon and sighed lightly, "Forget it. Who could have predicted such a dramatic reversal? Jasper has it hard enough now." Then, indignant, she rolled up her sleeves. "Speaking of which, I haven't settled scores with you yet! You actually teamed up with my brother to deceive me! I genuinely thought you two had broken up!" Darcy clasped her hands together in a pleading gesture. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. Dinner's on me tonight—proper apology. So, when are you coming back to work?" Previously, angered by Jasper, she had impulsively resigned. Now that Jasper was gone, Cindy should come back. But surprisingly, Cindy had no such intention. She crossed her legs. "No way I'm going back to be a workhorse. Life without a job is just too good! Wake up whenever I want, do whatever I like. Hah, I used to look down on trust fund babies who only knew how to enjoy life. But now... damn, it's awesome!" Darcy smiled helplessly. Come on, your version of "workhorse" is nothing compared to us real workers. But not working was fine too. Darcy said, "Alright, alright. You enjoy your life. Pick a restaurant and send it to me. I'll finish work early and meet you there." Cindy flashed an OK sign. On the top floor of Blackwood Group, Jethro was on a call with his grandfather. Arthur said, "Jasper says he's taking Jett abroad. He probably won't be back unless there's something major. Also, he voluntarily stepped down from the board. The company's future development is entirely up to you now." Jethro rubbed his temples, replying, "Hmm. What about Stratagem Tech?" Arthur, originally immersed in sadness about his grandson and great-grandson leaving, was instantly irked by the question. "Hmph! Can't wait, can you?" Jethro said, "The company is in chaos with no one in charge. Several clients are on the verge of being poached by competitors. How can I not be anxious?" "Cut the act. You're just soft on your girl." "Grandpa, what are you talking about? I don't understand." "Don't play dumb with me! Tell me the truth. What's your relationship with Darcy?" Jethro raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you have someone investigate? Didn't the investigator tell you?" Arthur was exasperated. "Are you two dating? Let me tell you, I don't agree with you being with her. After what happened with Annie, you should learn your lesson." "What lesson? Are they even comparable?" Jethro's thin lips moved slightly. "Who I date, who I marry—besides the person involved, I don't need anyone's approval. Including yours." Arthur was half-furious, thumping his cane on the floor. "You brat! All you know is how to infuriate me!" After a heavy sigh, Arthur said, "Stratagem Tech has huge potential. I'm planning to send someone from the board to personally oversee it. What do you think?" Jethro was silent for a moment, then narrowed his eyes. "Sure. Sounds good to me."