Everyone was taken aback. The CEO of Stratagem Tech? She looked so young! Anyone Jethro would introduce publicly had to be exceptionally capable. They also felt a pang of regret for their earlier assumptions. "My apologies, Ms. Gale. A misunderstanding. Looking forward to working with you." "Young, beautiful, and talented—a CEO with both looks and brains. A toast to you!" The flattery came in waves. Darcy took it in stride. She calmly navigated the social pleasantries, using the opportunity to promote Stratagem's products. Such was the nature of business galas: a give-and-take of insincerities.The lively scene was observed by Zane and Zora, who had just stepped out of their car. Zane gritted his teeth, his hand at his side clenching into a fist inside his pocket. He hadn't expected Jethro to bring Darcy to a business dinner. What's their relationship? Just boss and employee? Zora glanced briefly at the distant group before turning her attention back to Zane. Seeing the tense line of his jaw, she frowned slightly. But she quickly put on a bright smile. "Zane, shall we go in?" Zora's gown tonight was arguably the most stunning in the room. The crystals on it seemed to dazzle everyone's eyes. Combined with her striking features and excellent figure, she instantly became the new center of attention. Most guests weren't familiar with her, but seeing the man beside her was Zane, they quickly deduced her identity.Someone stepped forward, offering a hand. "Dr. Moss, a pleasure." Zora smiled sweetly, "The pleasure is mine." Soon, more people gathered around to greet her. Everyone knew she had a PhD from a top-tier foreign university. Many companies had tried to recruit her before her return. That she'd ended up at SummitCore Tech spoke volumes. The looks directed at Zane also changed. "Mr. Vance, you certainly have a way of attracting top talent like Dr. Moss to work for you." Zane's vanity swelled with satisfaction. He smiled modestly, "You're too kind." He turned slightly, meeting Zora's gaze. They shared a knowing smile. Not long after, Hugo and Ines arrived. After greeting others, they made their way over to Zane and Zora."Wow, Zora! That gown is stunning! Where did you get it? I should take my girlfriend there sometime," Ines exclaimed the moment she saw Zora's outfit. Before Zora could answer, Zane provided the name of the boutique. Ines raised an eyebrow. "You took her shopping?" "Yes." "How much was it?" "Six hundred and eighty thousand dollars." Ines' jaw dropped. Six hundred and eighty thousand? Hearing the number, Hugo glanced at Zora's dress. His brow furrowed slightly. Ines leaned close to Hugo's ear. "Tsk. The 'true love' gets treated right. A 680-thousand-dollar dress, just like that. If it were Darcy, he wouldn't even buy her a 6,800-dollar dress." Hugo shot Ines a look, his tone sharp. "You talk too much." A server passed by, and he took a glass of champagne, stepping aside to quietly watch Darcy from a distance. She was breathtakingly beautiful tonight. Even without a 680-thousand-dollar gown, she outshone every other woman present. Soon, the formal part of the evening began. After the host's speech, light, cheerful music filled the grand hall. The older, more conservative guests held their champagne flutes, chatting and networking with smiles. The younger crowd was more open, flowing into the center of the hall to invite partners for a dance. The attention of nearly every woman in the room was fixed on Jethro. Seeing him alone, several women approached one after another, blushing as they asked him to dance. All were politely declined.Zora raised an eyebrow. Before Zane and the others could react, she glided over to stand before Jethro. "Mr. Blackwood, would you honor me with a dance?" She lifted a pale, delicate hand, her eyes smiling up at the handsome man. Jethro looked down at her, as if considering. After three seconds, he took her hand and led her to the center of the dance floor. The crowd parted for them. Instantly, Jethro and Zora became the new focal point. They both danced exquisitely. The pairing of the handsome man and the beautiful woman drew waves of applause. The women Jethro had earlier rejected flushed with anger, muttering among themselves. "Why did he say yes to her? She's just a bit pretty, that's all! What's so special?" Someone nearby offered an explanation. "Looks are the least of her assets. Do you know who she is? Her background?""Who? What background?" "She's the only daughter of the Moss family. And a PhD in Finance from the world's top-ranked university overseas. She joined SummitCore Tech as Vice President right after graduation." The girls' eyes widened in surprise. They gritted their teeth. "Just a VP? What's the big deal?" The explainer continued, "You don't get it. SummitCore Tech is a unicorn in the fintech sector. Valuation's at 20 billion dollars. Once it goes public next year, Dr. Moss is projected to become the most valuable woman in Aethelburg!"