These declarations of loyalty didn't mean much to Zora. Since childhood, too many people had wanted to be her "bestie." Not everyone qualified. She gave Kaia a once-over. Hmm. Still useful for now. Could be a shallow friend. But drawing a clear line with Darcy? Not yet. "Come on, Kaia. We're already close friends. But you and Darcy grew up together. That's a bond most people can't compare to. There's no need to sever it over outsiders." "Dr. Moss, I can—" Zora pressed a hand on Kaia's shoulder. "Kaia, there's something I need your help with." Hearing she could be useful, Kaia brightened. "Just say it. I'll do whatever I can." "Could you help persuade Darcy to come back?"Before, she'd asked Kaia just for show. Now she truly wanted Kaia to bring Darcy back. Kaia was surprised. "Come back? Even after all this, you'd still want her back?" Zora smiled, putting on her magnanimous act again. "Darcy's abilities are evident. Her departure is a huge loss for the company. I know why she left. I'm willing to give up the VP position. Also, if Darcy is willing to return, we can discuss any conditions she has." Kaia was both shocked and touched. Zora was really too good, beyond words. In comparison, Darcy was petty and small-minded, not worth mentioning. However, Kaia knew Darcy's character—soft on the outside, stubborn on the inside, with her own principles. Darcy would never come back just for benefits. Besides, Kaia knew exactly why Darcy had insisted on leaving. The position being taken was secondary. The main reason was Zane's attitude. But Dr. Moss doesn't know that. Someone as kind-hearted as her will be furious and leave the company if she finds out Zane left Darcy for her. If Dr. Moss leaves, what will happen to me? No way! My career is just starting to look up. It couldn't be interrupted! So, Darcy can't come back, and Dr. Moss must never learn the truth about Darcy and Zane's past relationship. "Mm, Kaia, will you do it?" Zora asked again. "Oh, yeah. I'll try," Kaia replied vaguely. Leaving the hospital room, Zora called Zane. "Zane, I've been thinking. Forcing Ms. Gale back using the non-compete clause isn't ideal. Let's have Kaia try to persuade her. If she can change her mind, that's best."Zane said, "Yeah. You're right, as always." "By the way, are you free this weekend? Could you come over? A friend of my mother's sent over some lobsters. She remembers you like them." A warmth spread in Zane's chest. "Sure. Thank your mom for me." "No need to be so polite. Soon we'll be—" The sentence cut off, but Zane knew what she meant. After she hung up, Zora's smile faded. Just as she got in her car, her assistant called. Zora grabbed her phone and answered, "Hello?" The assistant sounded panicked on the other end. "Dr. Moss! Come back immediately!" Zora's heart skipped a beat. "What's wrong?" "A woman showed up at the office and started making a scene—said you seduced her boyfriend, and he got fired because of you."... Meanwhile, Darcy arrived at Stratagem Tech. She met with the heads of the Delivery and R&D teams, Wade Mason and Jax. The Easemark contract was still being finalized by the lawyers. The most urgent task now was arranging the team. Darcy's direct authority was limited. Most staff still answered to these two team leads. Unexpectedly, both Wade and Jax said in unison that they couldn't spare any personnel. If they couldn't borrow people internally, they'd have to hire externally, which would skyrocket costs. Cindy heard about the situation and knocked on the door. She expected to find Darcy stressed and overwhelmed, but Darcy was surprisingly calm. Cindy plopped onto the sofa, resting her chin in her hand. "Aren't you worried?" Darcy raised an eyebrow. "Worried about what?" "Without a team, the project can't be delivered on time. That contract you worked so hard for will definitely lose money." Darcy chuckled lightly, "Who says we don't have a team? Relax. By tomorrow, people will be lining up." Hearing this, Cindy perked up. "What's your play?" Darcy didn't hide it. She smiled and said, "I've looked into it. There are three old projects currently in their final stages, all ending this month. I'll have Cade spread the word that once these old projects expire, they won't be renewed. The teams on those projects will be disbanded." Whoa! That's ruthless!Cindy stared at her, wide-eyed. Darcy gave a sly smile, her pretty almond-shaped eyes full of clever satisfaction. She continued, "Then I'll send out a company-wide announcement, welcoming anyone interested to volunteer for the Easemark project. Anyone willing to stay and join will get double their year-end bonus."