Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 18

**Chapter 18: Shifting Ambitions**

Zora’s professional demeanor was unmistakable. She had an innate ability to put others at ease, her presence radiating confidence and warmth.

Bram surveyed Zora and Zane, a strange sense of familiarity washing over him, yet he struggled to pinpoint where he had encountered them before.

Just then, a voice broke through the air, tentative yet eager. “Excuse me, are you… Dr. Zora Moss?”

With a gracious nod, Zora responded, “Yes, hello, I am.”

The excitement in the room escalated as the young man continued, “Wow! I can’t believe it! I’ve read your master’s and doctoral theses! They’re incredible!”

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A ripple of exhilaration spread throughout the gathering. This poised and elegant woman was none other than the renowned Zora!

Her groundbreaking papers, published during her PhD, had graced the pages of prestigious international journals and were considered essential reading for anyone serious about financial engineering.

The sheer thrill of being in the same vicinity as such an influential figure was palpable.

Zane’s gaze drifted downward, a soft look in his eyes as he observed Zora.

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She was just as captivating now as she had been in her childhood—the undeniable center of attention wherever she roamed.

Yet, the stark contrast was that, in those days, he had merely been a silent observer, lingering on the outskirts of her brilliance. Now, he stood proudly by her side, no longer an outsider.

Zora engaged in light-hearted conversation with the crowd, her laughter ringing like music. Eventually, she turned her attention to Bram, a playful smile gracing her lips. “And you must be Bram, Prof. Reed’s most accomplished student?”

Bram offered a wry smile, shaking his head modestly. “I’m not sure I deserve that title.”

He thought to himself, If the one who left had actually enrolled, I wouldn’t even be in the running.

Zora, undeterred, retrieved a business card from her purse and extended it toward him. “I’m the Vice President at SummitCore Tech. If you’re interested in an internship, please don’t hesitate to reach out. With your capabilities, I can see you leading a project all on your own.”

The moment their idol handed her card to Bram, gasps of astonishment echoed among the other students. The mere thought of him spearheading his own project filled them with envy and admiration.

However, Bram merely smiled politely, his expression noncommittal.

Zane, not wanting to miss out, pulled a business card from his own pocket. “SummitCore values talent. If any of you are considering an internship, feel free to contact me as well.”

The fact that the CEO of SummitCore Tech was personally distributing his card sent waves of awe through the students. And when they took in Zane’s striking features—wow, just wow.

They exchanged knowing glances, their smiles brimming with unspoken admiration.

Zora and Zane were a perfect pair, embodying both talent and charm.

A true power couple!

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Chapter 18: Shifting Ambitions

After a while of mingling, Zora and Zane exited the private room, the atmosphere still buzzing with excitement.

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Once they were settled in the car, Zane glanced over at Zora in the passenger seat. “So, you’re trying to recruit Prof. Reed’s students, hoping to entice the professor himself through them?”

Zora’s smile widened, genuine and bright. “You know me so well.”

For a fleeting moment, a rare smile broke through Zane’s usually composed demeanor, warming his typically cool expression.

After dropping Zora off at her home, he turned the car around, heading toward Vance Manor.

As he arrived, Olena stepped out to greet him personally, her face lighting up with a welcoming smile.

10:09 Tue, Dec 16

Chapter 18: Shifting Ambitions

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Considering his and his mother’s precarious standing within the Vance family, he believed his father would be the only one willing to attend.

But…

Things had shifted dramatically.

Ever since his mother had mentioned the cancellation of Zora’s alliance with the Blackwoods, his own plans had begun to unravel.

Pressing his lips together in contemplation, Zane finally said, “It was about company funding. But it’s been resolved.”

“You found an investor?” Viktor inquired, his interest piqued.

“Summit Capital has agreed to an additional investment of 500 million dollars,” Zane replied, pride swelling in his chest.

Viktor nodded, clearly impressed. “Good. Your SummitCore Tech is gaining recognition. During my trip, several people remarked on your promising future.”

Olena’s heart swelled with pride at her son’s accomplishments.

With this trajectory, it was not beyond the realm of possibility for Zane to eventually join the Vance Group, although it would require patience and strategic maneuvering.

And if he secured the right marriage alliance… well, the timeline could be significantly accelerated.

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Everything Taken, I Left to Become CEO