After speaking, Alistair and Bram got into the car and drove away. Darcy stood by the roadside, waving to Alistair in the car. Inside, Alistair did not respond, his expression appearing somewhat cold. This scene was witnessed by Zora and Zane as they exited the restroom. Seeing Darcy trying to please him while Alistair remained aloof, Zane felt a pang of... something. Pity, perhaps. But more than that, a vague, indescribable sense of satisfaction. Life had not been kind to Darcy since leaving SummitCore, since leaving him. She was even reduced to fawning over others. Zane let out a cold, soft snort. That fleeting expression was precisely caught by Zora.She linked her arm through Zane's. "Zane, it seems Ms. Gale also wants to connect with Prof. Reed. But his reaction... We do have Bram's contact. Should we share it with her?" "No need. What does an unemployed person need with Prof. Reed? Besides, we're connecting for a patent acquisition. What could she possibly need? She just wants a few words with Prof. Reed to brag about to clients later." Zane smirked, "Typical sales tactics." Zora pressed her lips together. "Zane, that's a bit harsh." "Zora," Zane looked at her and sighed. "You come from privilege. You're too innocent to understand how ruthless people can be." "Alright," Zora said, blinking playfully. "Having been abroad for so many years, I guess I'm not familiar with the 'unwritten rules' of the workplace here." She emphasized the words "unwritten rules." The intermission ended. They headed back toward the main auditorium.Darcy was also coming in from outside. They met face to face. Six eyes locked. Darcy's steps faltered. Zane remained cold, his gaze sweeping over her dismissively before looking away. Zora, however, actually smiled at her. Darcy was momentarily taken aback. This Dr. Moss... She recalled the gossip Cindy had shared. Well, her academics might be questionable, but she seemed friendly enough. Darcy was fair. The one who wronged her was Zane. He was the one to blame, to resent. None of this was Zora's fault. Darcy wouldn't take her anger out on an unrelated party. Thinking this, Darcy nodded slightly in return to Zora's smile. Compared to the first half, the forum's second half felt rather dull. Many shifted their focus off-stage, chatting in small groups about potential collaborations. Finally, at 6 PM, the forum concluded. A government representative announced an evening banquet for those interested, to be held in private rooms at the adjacent hotel. Some companies with other commitments opted out. But Jethro, given his status, couldn't leave even if he wanted to. The government wouldn't let him. Darcy felt a bit awkward. She privately wanted to leave. What place did she have at a table full of industry leaders? But she wasn't sure what Jethro had planned. She took out her phone to message him. Her phone vibrated just as she did. Coincidentally, Jethro had texted her first, "Wait for me by the entrance." Seeing this, Darcy understood. He intended for her to attend the banquet.Darcy replied, "Okay." Zane and Zora also decided to attend. Since they hadn't managed to speak with Alistair today, they could use the dinner to network and explore potential opportunities. At least the trip wouldn't be a total waste. They left late, among the last to arrive at the hotel. The government had booked several private rooms. Attendees were divided among them. While the food and drinks were identical in each room, the perceived status of the guests within divided the rooms into unofficial tiers. The highest-tier room was undoubtedly the one where Jethro was seated. It held the industry leaders who had given the corporate speeches, along with their assistants. Therefore, when Jethro brought Darcy to sit at the main table, the others assumed she was his new assistant. Someone teased, "Oh? Did Mr. Kerr get fired? I thought he'd been with you for years. Good guy. Why let him go?" With the Blackwood Group's salary, benefits, and prestige, if someone left, it was usually because they were let go, not because they quit. Another person glanced at Darcy and joked, "You have good taste, Mr. Blackwood. The new assistant looks very capable. And pretty! So envious!" Darcy felt increasingly uncomfortable. She spoke up, "Sorry, just to be clear, I'm not Mr. Blackwood's assistant." The others paused. Jethro smiled and followed up, "Relax, everyone. I didn't fire Mr. Kerr—actually promoted him two levels. As for the lady beside me—" He gestured. "Allow me to introduce her. This is Ms. Darcy Gale. She is the newly appointed CEO of Stratagem Tech." As soon as Jethro finished speaking, the surprise in the room deepened.