As they were talking, a stir of commotion suddenly came from the entrance. Everyone looked toward the doorway in unison. The Blackwoods had arrived. They were the most prominent, top-tier family in Aethelburg—who wouldn't want to curry favor? The moment the Blackwoods entered, they became the center of attention. Ines muttered, "Which Blackwood is this? Making such a grand entrance." Beside him, Zora went pale. She frowned, body going stiff. Just then, her mother, Susan, walked over. She pulled her daughter aside, patting her shoulder gently in reassurance. Then she leaned in and whispered into Zora's ear, "Don't worry. Tonight, it's Jethro and his sister who have come."Hearing this, Zora let out a sigh of relief. The one bound to her by the former marriage arrangement was Jasper Blackwood, Jethro's cousin. Due to that car accident years ago, relations between the two branches of the Blackwood family had soured badly. Jasper had once drunkenly declared he was cutting all ties with the family. Afterward, Jasper accompanied his mother abroad for medical treatment and had settled overseas, never participating in any Blackwood family events. Now that the engagement with the Moss family was called off, Jasper and his mother would likely never return to the country. Therefore, the Moss family was confident that the branch of the Blackwood family represented by Jethro in Aethelburg didn't know the inside story behind the broken engagement. That was why the Moss family dared to send an invitation to Jethro. Now that Jethro had actually shown up with his sister, it truly meant he was unaware of the truth. The weight pressing on Zora's chest completely lifted. She linked arms with her mother and stepfather, and along with other senior members of the Moss family, went forward to greet the new arrivals. Seeing the host family approach, the other guests stepped aside, clearing a path. Jethro was dressed exceptionally formally today in a black three-piece suit, which accentuated his tall, lean frame. Under the lights, he exuded an air of refined elegance. He walked step by step toward Zora and her mother, a hint of a smile touching his sharp eyes. He gave a slight nod, his voice clear and magnetic. "Ms. Moss, happy birthday." Zora felt frozen in place, her heart pounding wildly. It took her a long moment to realize her own awkwardness.Susan smiled, "Mr. Blackwood, it's my honor that you could grace us with your presence." After exchanging pleasantries with Susan, Jethro's gaze turned to Zora. "Dr. Moss. We meet again." Susan looked surprised. "You've met before?" Jethro said meaningfully, "We had a brief encounter at the club last time. Dr. Moss' professional expertise left a deep impression on me." Back at the club, when Jethro had asked those two questions, Zora hadn't even understood them at the time. Later, she had looked them up online and found an intermediary to forward the answers to Jethro. But she hadn't received any follow-up from him. She thought he might not have seen it or had simply forgotten. She hadn't expected him to remember. Zora pressed her lips together in a smile. "You flatter me, Mr. Blackwood. I still have a lot to learn from you."Seeing Jethro's apparent interest in Zora, the Moss family members were delighted. They seized the opportunity to chat with Jethro a bit more, even broaching the topic of potential collaboration. Jethro didn't agree immediately, but he didn't refuse either. He simply replied with a calm "I'll consider it," which made the Moss family even more overjoyed. Soon, the formal dinner began. John and Susan, accompanied by Zora and Zane, went around the room toasting the guests. The attendees were all sharp. How could they not understand the implication? Clear as day—the Moss family had their eye on the Vance boy. They were aiming for a marriage alliance. The elders kept quiet and just offered congratulations. In a corner, Cindy crossed her arms and snorted, "Jerk."Jethro raised an eyebrow. "You found out?" "Nothing stays secret forever. But I really feel for Darcy. She gave him seven years—heart and soul—and this is how it ends." Cindy grew angrier the more she spoke, taking a large gulp of champagne. "Darcy? You two are that close now?" Jethro asked with a faint smile. "Yep. I really admire her now. Those tough old clients? She has them purring after she's done with them. Even someone like me, who hates going to work, actually likes going in because of her." Suddenly, she changed the subject, blinking her eyes at Jethro. "You really don't like Darcy? The guy-likes-girl kind of like." Jethro paused. After a long moment, he said, "No." Cindy pouted. "Okay." She had thought it was a perfect time for someone to pursue Darcy—freshly heartbroken by a jerk. If a reliable, devoted man came into her life now, she'd get over the pain quickly. Why was Cindy so sure her brother was a devoted man? It was because ever since things ended with his first love, her brother hadn't been with a woman for many years. But he said he didn't like Darcy. It seemed he still hadn't forgotten that woman. Cindy lowered her eyes, her gaze dimming. Jethro drew attention wherever he stood. Soon, many more people came over to network with him. Cindy always hated these social occasions, so she found another quiet spot. But she hadn't expected that the moment she settled, several young socialites would surround her, flattering and fawning. "Ms. Blackwood, your manicure is so pretty! Such refined taste!"