Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 2

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 2: A New Opportunity**

After a lengthy pause, she finally spoke, “I’ll consider it.”

With her mind set on departing her current position, the prospect of a new opportunity, particularly one from the esteemed Blackwood Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, was too enticing to dismiss.

Noticing the flicker of curiosity in her eyes, he quickly responded, “That’s great to hear! If you’re available today, I’d love to show you around the company. You can make your decision after you’ve seen everything firsthand.”

Perhaps it was his respectful demeanor that softened her resolve. Darcy nodded slightly, replying with a simple “Okay” before returning to her breakfast, her heart a little lighter.

Later, she hopped into a taxi, her destination set for Stratagem Tech.

The early autumn air was crisp, invigorating, and filled with the scent of fallen leaves. Darcy rolled down the window, allowing the cool breeze to tousle her hair and, in some way, whisk away the heaviness that had settled in her chest.

Before long, the taxi came to a halt in front of the towering Blackwood Group building.

To her surprise, the heir of the illustrious Blackwood family was standing at the entrance, waiting to greet her personally.

He appeared as though he had been anticipating her arrival for quite some time.

As she approached, Darcy offered a nod. “Mr. Blackwood. Good morning.”

Jethro, clad in a sharply tailored black suit that accentuated his striking features, extended his hand toward her. “Thank you for coming.”

Noticing the subtle tension in her posture, he smiled warmly and gestured toward the elevators, holding the door open for her with a courteous flourish.

“Don’t worry. The Blackwood Group isn’t the mafia,” he said lightly, attempting to ease her nerves. “This is about mutual interest. If you tour the place and decide it’s not for you, that’s completely fine.”

His words seemed to lighten the burden Darcy felt, if only a little.

Jethro was the eldest son of the prestigious Blackwood family, a young man who had taken the reins of the family empire and expanded it into Aethelburg’s most valuable company.

The subsidiary he referred to, Stratagem Tech, had been established just two years prior, focusing on cutting-edge fintech product development, all within the walls of the Blackwood Group tower.

Initially, it had generated considerable buzz in the market, but for reasons unknown, its growth had stagnated, causing it to fade from the industry’s spotlight.

Meanwhile, SummitCore Tech had surged to prominence, overshadowing its competitors.

Stratagem Tech and SummitCore Tech operated in overlapping markets, both dedicated to developing technological products for financial firms, both domestic and international.

They were peers, yet fierce competitors.

That was likely why he was so eager to recruit me.

Their paths had crossed by chance at a government reception, where they had exchanged nothing more than polite pleasantries.

However, their true interaction had occurred during her recent business trip up north.

Jethro had represented Stratagem Tech, personally meeting with a significant client—a gesture that spoke volumes. Yet, despite his efforts, the client ultimately chose to continue negotiations with Darcy.

As she exited the client’s building, Jethro had approached her, bowing slightly as he introduced himself and handed her his business card.

His handsome face had been earnest, his eyes sparkling with sincerity. “Ms. Gale, I’ve heard so much about you. Watching you in action today was quite impressive. Would you consider inviting me to dinner?”

Darcy had been taken aback that he even knew who she was, and she politely declined, her voice hurried. “I’m sorry, but I need to get back.”

Fate had a sense of humor, as they crossed paths again in the bustling airport terminal.

Once more, Jethro extended a warm invitation, and once more, she declined.

Even someone like Darcy, who typically didn’t dwell on appearances, couldn’t deny that Jethro was strikingly handsome. His charm was entirely different from Zane’s.

Zane was cold, distant, and utterly untouchable.

But Jethro…

In the elevator, Darcy found herself stealing glances at him from the corner of her eye.

The man beside her seemed to sense her scrutiny, raising an eyebrow slightly. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh, no. Nothing at all,” she replied, quickly averting her gaze and focusing on the elevator floor.

She took a moment to gather her thoughts, finally settling on the right words to encapsulate him.

Clear-eyed, with a demeanor that radiated warmth and openness.

Now, all those years of dedication felt like a cruel joke.

Without hesitation, she signed the papers and handed them back to Jethro.

She assumed she would begin work immediately, but Jethro gently informed her to return next Monday instead.

“Huh? Isn’t the business urgent?” she asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.

Jethro smiled, “It is indeed. But your well-being is more important right now.”

His gaze fell to the suitcase resting at her feet, a silent acknowledgment of her exhaustion.

It was evident he understood she hadn’t returned home the previous night.

Darcy accepted his kindness with a grateful heart. She was utterly drained and desperately needed a proper rest.

Upon arriving home, her mother, Ione Gale, took her suitcase, concern etched across her face as she patted her cheek. “Oh, dear, your eyes are all red and bloodshot. This business trip must have been exhausting.”

Darcy wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m fine, Mom. Just really tired.”

Ione stroked her hair gently. “Don’t push yourself too hard. If it becomes overwhelming, talk to Zane. He’s going to be your husband soon. It’s his responsibility to look out for his wife.”

The mention of Zane was like a dam bursting. The tears Darcy had been holding back threatened to spill over.

How could she possibly explain to her mother that Zane didn’t love her and would never be there for her?

But she also knew her mother had already accepted Zane as family. With her surgery looming, Darcy decided to keep her feelings to herself for the time being. She would share the truth after her mother’s condition stabilized.

With a forced smile, Darcy looked up at her mother, adopting a playful tone. “Mom, I would kill for some of your spaghetti.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll whip it up for you right now,” Ione replied, a smile breaking through her concern.

Once her mother disappeared into the kitchen, Darcy collapsed onto the sofa, her body sagging with fatigue as the weight of the day settled in.

On the top floor of SummitCore Tech, Rex accepted an envelope from the courier, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Who could it possibly be from?