Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 28

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 28**
**Chapter 28: An Unexpected Audience**

As the atmosphere in the conference room shifted, Darcy’s lips curled into a subtle smile. She made a graceful motion, inviting Cade to take the reins of the presentation.

Meanwhile, Bex was completely absorbed in a phone conversation with Zora, oblivious to the transition in speakers. His focus was so intense that he didn’t even notice the subtle shift in dynamics around him.

Darcy settled into her chair, but a quick glance at her phone screen sent a wave of shock crashing over her. It dawned on her that Zora was not just a name; she was a schoolmate of Bex’s.

Their conversation revolved around plans for project implementation, discussing the next steps they would take after securing the bid.

A heavy weight settled in Darcy’s chest.

In the world of business, skill was essential, but connections were an entirely different matter. Having both was akin to wielding a double-edged sword, a surefire way to ensure success.

As the implications of this realization washed over her, a plan began to form in Darcy’s mind.

With a sense of urgency, she discreetly typed a message under the table, her fingers trembling slightly around her phone.

Would the recipient receive her message in time? Would he even show up? After all, Bex was his employee, while she remained an outsider in this intricate web of connections.

Feng.

Just as her thoughts swirled, the heavy glass door of the conference room swung open, breaking her concentration.

Eamon strolled in, laughter spilling from his lips. “Well, it seems I’ve arrived just in time! I hope I’m not too late to join the fun?”

At the sound of his boss’s voice, Bex shot up from his chair, his panic palpable, as if he had been sprung from a trap.

“Mr. Steele! What brings you here?” His face was a canvas of anxiety.

Eamon approached and gave Bex a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “I just wrapped up a lengthy meeting. Thought I’d drop by, relax a bit, and catch up on the latest happenings in the industry.”

He settled into a chair and turned to Darcy, his tone friendly. “Darcy, where are we in the presentation?”

Darcy reclaimed the remote, signaling Cade to take a seat. “Mr. Steele, your timing couldn’t be better. We’re just about to delve into the heart of our proposal.”

It was true; the initial segments had focused on the company’s background, the industry landscape, and the overarching features of their product.

Now, they were ready to explore the real substance of the matter.

“Excellent, please continue,” Eamon encouraged, his interest piqued.

With his support, Darcy’s voice resonated throughout the room once more, calm and confident, as she navigated through the details.

Meanwhile, Bex was a cauldron of simmering frustration.

This Darcy, thinking she could stroll through the door just because she had a connection with the CEO. Pffi!

Stratagem Tech might be a subsidiary of Blackwood, but their research and development efforts were lackluster, and their products barely made a ripple in the market. How could they possibly stand up to a titan like SummitCore?

Even with Mr. Steele present, I’d wager my last dollar that Zora’s proposal would outshine hers a hundredfold!

With his boss in the room, he dared not glance at his phone any longer. Instead, he begrudgingly forced himself to listen intently, driven by a desire to find fault.

Yet, the more he listened, the more his unease grew.

Turning to Bex, he inquired, “Bex, what are your thoughts on the proposal?”

Bex squirmed in his seat, his mind racing to uncover any flaw, any weakness in the product.

But nothing came to mind!

Suddenly, a question sparked in his brain.

He cleared his throat, adopting an air of superiority as he looked down his nose at Darcy. “Can you guarantee your delivery timeline? I’ve heard your delivery team comprises fewer than twenty people.”

Darcy’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Absolutely. Once the contract is signed, we will begin the hiring process immediately.”

Bex had anticipated this response, a sardonic smile creeping onto his lips. “But will hiring after signing be swift enough? New hires often take a considerable amount of time to become effective.”

“Not necessarily. We have comprehensive internal training documentation. I will personally oversee the project to ensure that every phase is delivered on time.”

Her response was flawless, leaving Bex momentarily speechless. Think, you fool! What other weaknesses can you find?

Just then, Eamon interjected, “Alright, it’s getting late. Let’s wrap things up for now.”

He gestured for his assistant to escort Darcy and Cade out.

Once the door to the conference room clicked shut, Eamon turned his attention to Bex.

He picked up his coffee cup, taking a measured sip, then fixed Bex with a piercing gaze.

“So, Bex. What did you really think of Stratagem Tech’s proposal?”