"You first," Zane said, his voice icy. Darcy gave a slight nod and projected her proposal onto the screen. Since this visit was just an initial exploration of the client's interest, the proposal wasn't overly detailed. Still, Brandon listened and nodded with satisfaction. "Excellent. Your capabilities are indeed impressive." Then he looked at Zora. "Dr. Moss, it's your turn to present." Zora pressed her lips together. Originally, she thought their proposal was well-prepared. But after hearing Darcy's presentation, she realized SummitCore had misunderstood the client's core needs. While Zora's professional skills weren't top-notch, she wasn't stupid. She immediately grasped that the focus of Stratagem's proposal was completely different from what they had prepared. Brandon's praise for Darcy meant he favored Stratagem's approach. If she presented SummitCore's proposal now, it would only make them look foolish. So, Zora closed her laptop. "Mr. Cole, my apologies. I just realized there's an issue with my laptop. The proposal won't open. Let me fix it tonight, and we can present it to you separately tomorrow." Brandon looked disappointed. "Is that so?" But there was nothing to be done. Technical issues happened; they'd just have to wait until tomorrow. Cindy, however, sensed something off. What a convenient coincidence. The laptop malfunctions right after hearing our proposal. She arched a delicate eyebrow. "We can sit in on tomorrow's presentation as well, right?" Zora understood her implication. Darcy had presented today with Zane and Zora in attendance. For fairness, Cindy and Darcy should be present when SummitCore presented tomorrow. On the surface, it was about fairness; underneath, it was to prevent them from stealing ideas from Stratagem's proposal. Zora smiled, "Sure." Brandon chimed in cheerfully, "We'll continue tomorrow. It's getting late. I've had my assistant arrange dinner. Please, join me at the restaurant next door." The four of them entered the private dining room one after another. Brandon hadn't arrived yet, so none of them started eating. Cindy didn't want to speak to Zane or Zora and buried herself in her phone. Darcy excused herself to use the restroom and get some air. But as she reached a corridor intersection, a force dragged her into a corner. She instinctively screamed. Zane quickly covered her mouth. "It's me." "Let go of me!" Once she saw Zane's face, Darcy stopped screaming and slapped his hand away in disgust. Seeing her revulsion, Zane's eyes darkened. He grabbed her chin. "So resistant to my touch now? Afraid Jethro will misunderstand?" Darcy took a deep breath. "Don't you dare sling mud. You were the one who cheated, yet you try to pin the blame on me? Zane, you truly disgust me." She turned to leave, but Zane grabbed her again. He gritted his teeth, anger flashing in his eyes. "I didn't cheat! Zora and I have a perfectly clean relationship!" "Hah. Emotional cheating isn't cheating?" "I..." Zane fell silent. Darcy forcefully shook off his hand. "We were over a long time ago. Be decent about it and don't make a scene; we all work in the same circle. If clients found out you cheated, do you think they'd keep doing business with SummitCore?"It sounded like advice, but it was a threat. She was saying that if Zane kept harassing her, she might just reveal the true nature of their relationship to clients. Zane was furious, his hands clenched into fists, eyes red. A threat? As if he couldn't do the same? "I'll ask you one more time. Are you coming back or not? The penalty for violating the non-compete is three million dollars. You'd be bankrupt!" Darcy sneered, "Mr. Vance, if you don't need your ears, donate them to someone who does. And I'll answer you one more time—I never look back!" Long after Darcy had left, Zane remained rooted to the spot. He was seething with frustration. He couldn't understand it. Every man has a first love he can't quite shake. Why wouldn't Darcy let it go? Was emotional cheating even real cheating? He had her in his heart; wasn't that enough? Darcy never used to mind these things. She used to be soft, obedient. Now she was like a hedgehog covered in spines. Zane truly couldn't comprehend it. Back in the private room, Brandon and his secretary had arrived, and the ordered dishes and drinks were being served. Brandon was great in many ways, but he loved his drink. Not only that, he loved encouraging others to drink with him. "Come on, Ms. Gale! We must have a drink." Brandon personally stood up and poured Darcy a full glass. Darcy felt a bead of sweat on her forehead, but she couldn't refuse a client's gesture. "Of course. To our potential future cooperation, Mr. Cole." Darcy tilted her head back and drained the glass. "Excellent!" Brandon clapped. "Truly a decisive person!" Likewise, Cindy also downed a glass without hesitation. "Bravo! The women of Stratagem are formidable!" Then, with a jovial smile, Brandon turned to Zora. "Dr. Moss, you can drink, right?" His words were a question, but his hands were already pouring the wine. "Mr. Cole, Dr. Moss doesn't handle alcohol well. I'll drink for her," Zane said, proactively taking the glass.