Meanwhile, on the main dance floor, Zora had her hand on Jethro's shoulder. The faint, clean scent of sandalwood from him made her heartbeat quicken before she could stop it. This sensation was novel for her. She'd never felt it with Zane. If it weren't for that brief, broken engagement with Jethro's cousin... she really would have... "Careful." Just as they were about to bump into another couple, Jethro turned smoothly, a light hand on her waist guiding her clear. Zora's cheeks warmed. "Sorry, I shouldn't have lost focus." "It's fine," Jethro said with a faint smile, showing no sign of reproach. "Mr. Blackwood, there's something... I'm not sure if I should tell you," Zora said, biting her lip as she glanced up at him.Jethro replied, "If you're unsure, then perhaps you shouldn't." Zora was stunned for a moment. "But I truly can't bear to see you deceived. Or for us to end up facing each other in court one day," she pressed on. Jethro raised a brow. "Court? That seems a bit extreme, Dr. Moss." Zora decided to stop circling. "Mr. Blackwood, you may not know this, but Darcy signed a non-compete agreement while employed. She's prohibited from joining a direct industry competitor after leaving. Stratagem is on that list. "So, her joining Stratagem violates that agreement. I've been trying to persuade her to return. If she agrees, that's best. If she doesn't..." Jethro's dancing stopped. The hand that had been resting on her waist dropped away. Zora knew her words had hit their mark. She bit her lip and took a half-step closer. "Mr. Blackwood..." "Does Zane agree with your approach?" Jethro asked suddenly. Zora froze, not sure why he brought that up. "Yes. He also doesn't want to lose someone as valuable as Darcy." Zora thought she was hiding it well. Since her return, she'd pretended not to know the true nature of Zane's past with Darcy. She'd made repeated overtures to Darcy, trying to win her back. Just like now. Jethro looked down at her, his gaze cool, a hint of a scoff at the corner of his mouth. "He really is..." The word "heartless" hovered on his tongue, but he replaced it with, "...determined to keep talent." "However, this is a matter between you and Ms. Gale. I won't interfere. But if possible, I'd hope you'd consider letting it go, out of courtesy to me. After all, she's now part of the Blackwood Group."Zora was stunned. She hadn't expected Jethro to defend Darcy. She'd assumed he'd be angry about being deceived upon hearing about the non-compete clause. Zora offered an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Mr. Blackwood, but Darcy is also crucial to SummitCore." She was now practically afraid to step into the office. The head of the R&D team hounded her with questions the moment she arrived. Lucian helped, but the time difference was a problem, and too many questions might arouse suspicion. Only with Darcy back could she comfortably enjoy the power and perks of her position without the actual work. She could sit back and wait for SummitCore's IPO to reap the rewards. ... Darcy reached the parking lot to find Jethro standing by his car, seemingly waiting for her."Mr. Blackwood." She quickened her pace. "Were you waiting for me?" "Yes. Ride with me. My assistant will drive your car back later." "But..." "I have something to discuss." Darcy didn't hesitate further. She got into the passenger seat. His expression suggested it was important. Back inside, Hugo felt a slap on his shoulder. "Who are you staring at, Hugo?" Ines asked, following his gaze out the glass doors. Nothing was there. Hugo looked away, taking a sip of champagne. "No one." They're probably just boss and employee, right? He checked his watch. "It's getting late. I'm heading out." He put down his glass and turned towards the exit.Ines grabbed his arm. "The night is young! Why the rush? With Mr. Blackwood gone, all the ladies here are ours for the taking. See one you like? Take her home." He gave a sleazy grin. Hugo ignored him. "Better behave. Everyone here tonight has status. Cause a scandal, and you can wait for your father to whip you," Hugo advised. Ines' grin vanished instantly. He pouted. His father had just gotten out of the hospital. Causing some "trouble" right now would definitely earn him a beating. He thought it over, and the heat in his blood cooled by half. He'd just broken up with his latest girlfriend and came to this party to hunt. Look but don't touch? Lame. If only she were here. An image of Kaia floated into his mind.That girl looked so... easy to push around. A smirk touched his lips. No rush. There's always time. ... In the Rolls-Royce, they'd driven some distance before Jethro spoke. "Earlier, Zora asked me to dance." Darcy's fingers twitched slightly. She made a soft sound of acknowledgment. "While we danced, she told me she really wants you back at SummitCore." Jethro finished and turned his head to look at the passenger seat.