CEO of Stratagem Tech? This young? Instantly, many eyes turned toward Darcy, filled with scrutiny and doubt. Is it her ability, or... Darcy's expression tightened. Throughout her career, she'd faced this kind of judgmental gaze because of her profession. Normally, she'd have snapped back. But tonight was different. Everyone here was an industry heavyweight, and her boss was right beside her. Darcy knew better than anyone how much Jethro valued and supported her. She couldn't embarrass him in this setting. She had to grit her teeth and endure it. "Ms. Gale is the most capable professional I've ever encountered. She understands product, technology, and market. She has vision and strategic thinking. I believe under her leadership, Stratagem Tech will soon have the honor of standing alongside your companies," Jethro spoke with a calm, warm tone. The others were stunned. The Blackwood heir—he never lowered himself. For him to praise someone like that? Darcy was the first. Though doubts still lingered in their minds, their attitude toward Darcy improved significantly. Several heavyweights stood up to toast her. "Ms. Gale, we look forward to collaborating in the future." Darcy replied, "You're too kind. We have much to learn from each other." After the round of toasts, Darcy sat down, unable to resist glancing at the man beside her. Jethro was engaged with someone else. His slender fingers held a wine glass, gently swirling the liquid. He responded to the other person's flattery with a casual, light shake of his head, appearing both relaxed and noble. Darcy's heart skipped a beat. Probably just because he praised me so highly. Even I feel a bit embarrassed. Zane and Zora arrived late. Stepping out of the elevator, they passed by this private room. When Zane accidentally caught sight of Darcy toasting with the bigwigs, both he and Zora froze mid-step. A vein throbbed sharply at Zane's temple. Darcy? How is she in that room? That room was one he and Zora weren't even qualified to enter. How had Darcy managed to get in? Zora soon noticed another shocking detail. Darcy hadn't just gone in. She was sitting right next to Jethro. Zora frowned slightly.Wasn't Jethro famously distant from women, never bringing female companions to events? A moment later, Zane noticed the same thing. He took a deep breath. Fine, Darcy. I underestimated you. You really have some skills—not only getting into that top-tier room, but landing at Jethro's side. Who was Jethro? Someone Zane desperately wanted to connect with but couldn't. Yet Darcy had effortlessly ended up right beside him. The question was, what method had she used? A beautiful woman sitting next to a handsome, wealthy man... the method wasn't hard to imagine. Just the thought made Zane feel suffocated. He loosened his collar to breathe easier. Another group stepped out of the elevator. Seeing Zane and Zora standing motionless, they assumed they didn't know which room to go to. A kind soul guided them. "Mr. Vance, Dr. Moss. Our room is just ahead. This way." Darcy heard this voice too and instinctively looked toward the doorway. Her eyes met Zane's furious gaze. Darcy swore she hadn't looked over because of those titles. It was purely because the voice was so loud, it drew her attention. She felt exasperated. Why is Zane so angry? In the auditorium, he acted like I was invisible. The dinner lasted over an hour before concluding. Since both Darcy and Jethro had been drinking, Rowan had come specifically to drive. Darcy thought for a moment and asked, "Mr. Blackwood, where do you live?" The alcohol had slowed Jethro's reactions slightly. "Hmm?" Darcy explained, "I was thinking, if we live very far apart, it doesn't make sense for you to drop me off first and then go home. It would waste your time and delay Mr. Kerr's rest." Jethro fell silent. Rowan, however, spoke up quickly, blurting out his boss' home address. Jethro shot him a look, mild but pointed. Rowan was puzzled. Huh? Did I say something wrong? "That is quite far. Mr. Kerr, please take Mr. Blackwood home first. I'll get a taxi," Darcy said. Jethro's thin lips pressed together. "Alright. Send me a message when you're home." He immediately added, "It's not safe for a woman to take a taxi alone at night." Darcy nodded. "I will." As Zane and Zora exited the building, they saw Darcy waiting by the curb for a taxi. Zora felt a wave of relief. So Darcy really did just manage to get into the room.Now all the important guests had been picked up by their drivers. Only she was left, hailing a cab alone. How pitiful. The anger in Zane's heart subsided a little. The fact that Darcy wasn't leaving with Jethro meant they weren't at that stage yet. He wanted to rush over to her, grab her chin, and demand to know what had happened tonight. How did she end up sitting next to Jethro?