Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 29

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 29**

**Chapter 29 An Unexpected Dinner**

Bex took a moment to collect himself, an unsettling wave of guilt washing over him. “Stratagem Tech’s proposal is impressive,” he began, his voice steady yet laced with hesitation. “The product features are extensive and align perfectly with what we’re looking for in our tender requirements. But…”

He was on the verge of asserting, “SummitCore Tech’s offering is far superior,” when, without warning, his boss abruptly stood up, cutting him off. “I think so too,” she declared, striding toward the exit with an air of finality.

Bex remained rooted to the spot, his mind racing. Had he miscalculated? Had he celebrated too soon, only to potentially sabotage everything?

His thoughts spiraled as he wiped a hand across his forehead, feeling the weight of his decision pressing down on him.

Just then, a notification pinged on his phone, which lay face down on the table, its screen glowing invitingly.

Catching sight of Zora’s icon, Bex narrowed his eyes, a mix of determination and dread flooding his senses.

No. I can’t betray her trust!

He steeled himself, resolving to find a way to persuade his boss.

By the time they exited the client’s office building, the sun had dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow that hinted at the onset of evening. Darcy felt her stomach rumble, a reminder of her growing hunger.

“Let’s go,” she said, turning to Cade with a grin. “Dinner’s on me!”

Cade’s face lit up instantly. “Absolutely! I’ve been dying to try that new trendy spot, the one with the Black Pearl rating!”

“Which one?” Darcy inquired, her curiosity piqued. “Send me the address!”

Cade quickly forwarded her a link from a review app. As Darcy scanned the details, her eyebrows shot up at the sight of the price per person—200 dollars.

This guy…

She couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly, masking her surprise with a wry smile as she pocketed her phone, the two of them making their way toward the parking lot.

Just as she was about to unlock her car, a familiar, rich voice broke through the evening air.

“What a coincidence, running into you two here.”

Darcy turned, her heart skipping a beat.

Jethro stood not far away, clad in an impeccably tailored black suit, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, a relaxed smile gracing his lips as he regarded them.

“It is a coincidence,” Darcy replied, a hint of surprise coloring her tone. “Are you here to see a client too, Mr. Blackwood?”

She knew this office housed more than just Easemark Ventures; perhaps he was visiting another firm. Yet, the timing felt almost too perfectly orchestrated.

A playful glint sparkled in Jethro’s eyes. Whether he chose to disregard her question or simply didn’t hear it, he shifted the conversation. “Heading back?”

“We’re off to get dinner,” Darcy responded candidly, a hint of excitement creeping into her voice.

After a moment’s pause, she added, “Would you care to join us, Mr. Blackwood?”

She thought it unlikely that the perpetually busy CEO would accept, but out of courtesy, she felt compelled to extend the invitation.

Jethro’s smile broadened. “Outside of work hours, please call me Jethro. It feels more… personal.”

The request felt a touch forward, yet he was her boss, and she couldn’t very well refuse.

She nodded, albeit stiffly. “Okay. J-Jethro.”

Once they placed their order, their conversation turned to the POC from earlier that afternoon.

Darcy spoke candidly. “I can’t guarantee we’ll secure the contract. Zora from SummitCore and Bex from Easemark’s IT department share an alumni connection and are quite close. While I maintain a decent relationship with Mr. Steele, he’s a hands-off manager who doesn’t meddle in his team’s work. The product procurement falls under IT. If Mr. Stone insists that only SummitCore’s product meets the requirements, our chances are slim.”

Jethro listened intently, his expression revealing no surprise at her forthrightness. He had recruited her for her honesty. Yet, the mention of “Zora” caused him to pause.

His gaze returned to Darcy, deep and contemplative.

He was acutely aware of her history with Zane.

Since Darcy had agreed to join Stratagem, he had discreetly instructed his assistant to investigate the dynamics at SummitCore.

Recently, he had learned that Zane’s childhood crush had returned from abroad, and the two had been displaying a rather intimate rapport at the office.

Whispers among employees suggested that the usually aloof CEO might finally be in love.

And that woman was Zora.

If his memory served him right, his cousin had been contemplating an alliance marriage with the Moss family, although for reasons unknown, it had recently been called off.