Darcy had assumed Zane was calling to discuss her resignation and the called-off engagement. She had mentally prepared her speech. After all these years, if nothing else, she had dedication. She hoped he would let her go cleanly, out of respect for her past efforts and the love she'd wholeheartedly given him. In return, she would gracefully wish him and Zora a happy future. She was even willing to see the new northern project through until the contract was signed. She took a deep breath. "Mr. Vance..." Zane, on the other end, frowned. It was rare for Darcy to call him "Mr. Vance" outside the office. The discomfort was brief, though. He loosened his tie. "Did you see my message yesterday?" Darcy was caught off guard, her prepared speech halted. She pressed her lips together. "Yes." Zane paused, waiting for her to continue. Silence. He felt a wave of relief. She must not be angry. She'd be making a scene otherwise. He continued, "When you get a moment, write up a summary of your business trip and send it over." Darcy wondered if she'd heard correctly. He called to ask for unpaid overtime? Was this for real? He knew her leave was to care for her hospitalized mother. Not only was there no concern from him, but he was demanding extra work. He only ever contacted her for work-related matters. How pathetic that she was only seeing this now!"Mr. Vance, I'm on leave. Would this work be considered overtime?" she asked pointedly. Zane was taken aback, then irritated. "It's just a summary. How is that overtime? Darcy, stop being difficult!" She knew that would be his response. Darcy's voice was flat. "Mr. Vance, I'm sorry. My mother is being admitted tomorrow. I'll be caring for her and won't have time for overtime." Since there was no overtime pay, she refused. Zane was jolted into remembering her mother's hospitalization. Right. I forgot. But even so, he had no intention of apologizing. He was used to his superior position, used to Darcy's humble devotion. Zane simply lowered his voice. "Take good care of your mother. I'll visit you both at the hospital this weekend."Darcy's heart was numb. "That won't be necessary. Also, about the—" She pressed her lips together, using all her strength to keep her voice steady. "I sent a—" Before she could finish, Zane cut in, "I have a meeting. I have to go." Darcy gave a bitter smile. Same as always. Summoning and dismissing her as he pleased. She tossed her phone onto the sofa and headed to her bedroom. The small room was filled with exquisite gift boxes. Most were engagement gifts Zane had his assistant send over a month ago when they decided to get engaged. Although distant, Zane was generous with money. Darcy knelt, gathering all the gifts he'd ever given her into a cardboard box. Ione came out of the kitchen with a plate of spaghetti. She saw her daughter carrying the box. "What's all that?" Darcy's expression was neutral. "The engagement gifts Zane sent, and other things he's given me over the years." "Why are you packing them away? The engagement is still a month off. Why the hurry?" Ione chuckled, setting down the plate, teasing her daughter. She mistakenly thought Darcy was just excited. Darcy knew the misunderstanding but didn't correct her. She silently carried the box into the storage room. Her surgery is soon. She shouldn't get upset. I'll tell her the truth after she recovers. After lunch, Darcy napped for two hours. When she woke up, she did some light exercise. Her phone buzzed with a message from an alumni group. This group was formed years ago by prospective graduate students who had received their acceptance letters. Everyone in it had been aiming for Professor Alistair Reed's program. "Prof. Reed's birthday is next Saturday. DM me if you want to join." Alistair was a giant in the field of financial engineering. He had been the professor Darcy intended to study under. During her undergraduate studies, she'd had the chance to meet with him one-on-one. He was impressed with her and later guided her in applying for several patents. The most notable one was the Automated Yield Curve Model. Though most people assumed the patent belonged to Alistair, unaware of Darcy's key role. He had admired her talent and actively recruited her. "Come study under me. I guarantee you'll shine in the field of financial engineering in three years." She applied and got in.But before the semester started, Darcy tore up her acceptance letter to start SummitCore with Zane. Alistair had tried to persuade her. "Get your master's first, then start your business. Your potential will be fully realized then." But Darcy didn't listen. She was afraid that furthering her studies would drive a wedge between her and Zane. He was already distant. If one was in school and the other building a business, their relationship would surely fall apart. Alistair felt regretful but said no more. In the first few years after graduation, Darcy would send him holiday greetings. His replies were always brief. Eventually, she felt she was bothering him and stopped. She really wanted to go to his birthday. But she felt too ashamed. Just as she was about to lock her phone, a private message popped up, "Darcy, I signed you up for Prof. Reed's birthday." It was from the person who posted the message in the group—Bram Marsh, now Alistair's most accomplished doctoral student. They had met during the admissions interview years ago; he was the one who added her to the group. Bram was now Alistair's PhD student. And the love she had chosen instead... Darcy's eyes welled up. It took her a moment to reply, "Thank you, but I better not." Mostly, she was afraid of disturbing Alistair and afraid to see disappointment on his face. In her current state, she couldn't face him. He seemed to see right through her. "No, you have to come. Prof. Reed mentions you often. He'd be happy to see you." As if afraid she'd refuse, Bram quickly added, "It's settled. I signed you up. You must come." Then, he sent her the time and address for the party. A tear slid down her cheek. Darcy sniffled and silently added Alistair's birthday to her calendar. ... The next day, Darcy helped her mother check into the hospital, then returned home to prepare for her new role. Over two days, she thoroughly researched the Blackwood Group and its subsidiary, Stratagem Tech. She even drafted a three-year IPO plan for Stratagem. On Monday morning, she was in Jethro's office with her proposal. For two hours, he listened intently, nodding frequently, his appreciation evident. But when Darcy suggested bidding for the Easemark Ventures project, a smile tugged at his lips. He adjusted his cuff. "As I understand it, SummitCore Tech is also pursuing the Easemark project." His subtext was clear. Is it appropriate to so openly compete with your former company right away?Darcy, however, was pragmatic. Her expression remained neutral. "I do the job I'm hired to do. Besides, the Easemark tender is public. Anyone can bid. The best offer wins. Stratagem not bidding doesn't guarantee SummitCore's success, and us bidding doesn't mean they have no chance." Jethro's smile widened. "Alright. I'm convinced. I'll have our pre-sales manager coordinate with you."