Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 20

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**

**Chapter 20 I’m Used to It**

As the meeting wrapped up and Darcy prepared to exit the room, the door swung open unexpectedly, interrupting her thoughts.

“Jethro! I’m so thirsty! Do you have any sugar-free iced cola?”

The voice belonged to a young woman, elegantly clad in a chic white suit reminiscent of Chanel. Her large, round eyes sparkled with a youthful exuberance, giving her an endearing, bubbly presence.

In an instant, Darcy pieced together the identity of the newcomer. This had to be Jethro’s sister, Cindy.

Cindy’s gaze landed on Darcy, and she blinked in recognition. “You’re… Darcy?”

“Yes, that’s me,” Darcy replied with a warm smile, extending her hand in greeting. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cindy.”

Jethro, standing nearby, took the opportunity to make the introductions. “Cindy, this is Ms. Gale. The sister I mentioned—the one who has a knack for commandeering my passenger seat, is notoriously unreliable, and has a wild streak.”

“Jethro!” Cindy exclaimed, her foot stomping the floor in frustration. Did he really have to embarrass her in front of someone she barely knew?

Darcy chuckled softly at the sibling banter, her curiosity piqued by the dynamic between them.

Cindy, however, zeroed in on a particular detail from her brother’s description. “So, you’ve actually ridden in his car?”

Darcy hesitated for a brief moment, considering how to respond. “Yes, I have.”

Cindy’s eyes widened with playful mischief. “Wow! You’re the first woman outside the family to sit in his precious car.”

Darcy felt a flicker of uncertainty at the implication of that statement. What did it mean? Was it a compliment, or was she being measured against some unspoken standard?

Jethro, clearly exasperated with his sister’s antics, sighed and rubbed his forehead. “Cindy, this is work time. No personal discussions right now. Go and have Rowan fetch your cola, and then head back downstairs to report to Ms. Gale.”

Cindy raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms defiantly. “But I have important business to discuss with you.”

Darcy, sensing the tension, decided to excuse herself. “I’ll take my leave then. I wouldn’t want to intrude on your conversation.”

As the office door clicked shut behind her, Cindy dramatically flopped onto the visitor’s sofa, her body going limp like a boneless snake.

Jethro grimaced at her lack of decorum. “What kind of posture is that, Cindy?”

Cindy fixed her gaze on her brother, a teasing glint in her eye. “Do you have feelings for Darcy?”

Jethro shot her a sharp look, irritation flaring. “Don’t be ridiculous. I admire Darcy’s professional skills. She’s incredibly capable. You could learn a thing or two from her.”

“Just admiration, huh?” Cindy scrutinized him, searching for any signs of deception but found none.

“What else would it be?” he snapped back, clearly annoyed by the line of questioning.

Cindy paused, mulling over his words. Perhaps she had misjudged the situation. Yet, a small part of her wished fervently that her brother would consider pursuing something more with Darcy.

Honestly, she hoped he would connect with any woman who could spark his interest. It would signify that he was ready to move on from the shadows of his past.

“New business? That sounds tough. You have to face rejection, and sometimes even get kicked out. I’m not keen on that at all.”

Darcy recognized that the woman sitting across from her was not just any employee; she was the daughter of the Blackwood family, raised in an environment of privilege and ease.

Asking her to go out and actively seek new clients was indeed a daunting request.

Darcy had no intention of pushing her into uncomfortable territory. “That’s perfectly fine. If you find it challenging, I can take charge of acquiring new clients. You can concentrate on nurturing the existing relationships.”

Cindy blinked in surprise. “You, the CEO, are actually going to run around doing sales?”

“Yes,” Darcy confirmed, her demeanor unwavering.

Cindy was taken aback. “Aren’t you worried about facing rejection? You’re the CEO! What if word gets out? Wouldn’t that be a bit embarrassing?”

She recalled a time when she had a crush on a boy and confessed her feelings on his birthday, only to be met with a cold rejection. He had called her spoiled and willful, stating she wasn’t his type.

That experience had stung deeply, leading her to swear off crushes entirely.

The thought of facing the likelihood of rejection made Cindy want to retreat into her comfortable shell.

Darcy smiled, a hint of resilience in her voice. “I’m not afraid of rejection. I’m used to it.”

“Used to it?” Cindy echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“Yes,” Darcy replied, her confidence radiating. “I’ve been in sales for several years now. I’ve encountered some wonderfully agreeable clients, but I’ve also faced cold shoulders and dismissive attitudes. It’s precisely those experiences that have toughened my skin.”