Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 25

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 25: Rumors**

As the elevator chimed its arrival, Darcy’s face lit up with a smile. She stepped into the metallic confines, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. “It wasn’t bought specifically for me,” she clarified, her voice light yet firm. “It’s registered to the company. Anyone can use it for work purposes.”

Cade, leaning against the wall with an air of casual confidence, clicked his tongue thoughtfully while stroking his chin. “Cindy is his own sister, and even she doesn’t get that kind of treatment,” he remarked, a hint of incredulity in his tone.

With a playful raise of his brows, he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You think Mr. Blackwood might be interested in you?”

Darcy rolled her eyes dramatically, a smile tugging at her lips. “Get your mind out of the gutter!” she shot back, half-laughing, half-serious.

As they stepped out into the bustling office environment, the energy shifted.

Suddenly, Jax emerged from the shadows, his face a mask of dark contemplation. He had inadvertently caught wind of their lighthearted banter, and with each passing second, his irritation simmered deeper.

Why does Darcy get everything the moment she joins?! he thought bitterly, his mind racing. I have the seniority, the technical skills, and the management ability! Yet here I am, overlooked for the CEO position I recommended myself for, while she glides through with red-carpet treatment.

Hmph. What does a young woman like her have to offer? Nothing but her looks, using her body to get ahead!

A few of his colleagues strolled past, murmuring about the new Mercedes van parked downstairs.

Upon spotting Jax, they immediately halted their conversation, exchanging cautious glances before nodding in his direction.

With a smirk playing on his lips, Jax seized the moment. “Do you know who that van downstairs belongs to?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“No,” one of them replied, curiosity piqued.

“It was specially bought by Mr. Blackwood for Ms. Gale,” he sneered, watching their expressions shift.

“Huh?” They exchanged looks, their silence thick with unspoken thoughts, clearly drawing their own conclusions.

Mr. Blackwood and Ms. Gale…

Jax’s smile turned thin and cold. “Don’t get the wrong idea. Mr. Blackwood and Ms. Gale have a purely professional relationship. Ms. Gale got where she is on merit.”

His colleagues stared at his retreating figure, their minds swirling with doubt.

Was it really just professional? Did she genuinely achieve her position based solely on her capabilities?

Mr. Steel must know something we don’t.

Unable to contain their curiosity, one of them initiated a hushed discussion in a private chat, the rumor mill beginning to churn.

By the afternoon, whispers had spread like wildfire, and most people were convinced that Darcy had slept her way to the top.

Arriving at the Easemark Ventures headquarters, they parked and disembarked. Cade, ever the observant one, stepped ahead of Darcy and swung the main door open for her with a flourish.

“After you, Ms. Gale!” he declared, exaggerating his gesture with a mock bow.

Darcy chuckled, genuinely amused, and without hesitation, she walked in first, feeling a rush of confidence.

Inside, Cade dashed over to the reception desk, eager to check in. After providing the necessary details, the receptionist made a call to confirm their appointment.

Eamon had assured Darcy, “I’ll give you the contact for the IT Manager’s assistant. You can schedule the time with him.”

After receiving the information, Darcy had promptly forwarded it to Cade, trusting him to handle the logistics.

Darcy understood that Cade was showing her the call log to prove he hadn’t slacked off—he truly had made the appointment.

“I’m not blaming you. This isn’t your fault,” she reassured him, her tone steady.

“The fact that the assistant didn’t even verify and just told reception to turn us away means something’s up,” she added, her brow furrowing in thought.

Cade’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Why would they do that?”

Darcy shook her head, her mind racing through possibilities. “I don’t know.”

Like a deflated balloon, Cade’s shoulders slumped in defeat, his spirit dimming. “So what do we do now?”

“I’ll try contacting the CEO directly,” Darcy declared, determination sparking in her voice.

She took out her phone and dialed Eamon’s number. The line connected, but no one answered.

Cade slumped over the table, looking utterly defeated, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.

Darcy tried to comfort him, her voice gentle. “He’s probably just busy. Don’t worry. Let’s wait a bit longer.”

The atmosphere was thick with uncertainty, but Darcy remained resolute, determined to navigate the storm ahead.