Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 30

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 30**

**Chapter 30 I Won’t Fire Her!**

The need for clarity gnawed at Jethro, compelling him to seek out his grandfather for some much-needed insight. Yet, he chose to keep this internal struggle to himself, opting not to confide in Darcy.

As the evening unfolded, their meals began to arrive in a delightful parade of flavors and aromas, each dish more enticing than the last. The atmosphere was one of quiet refinement; both Jethro and Darcy exhibited impeccable manners, their focus primarily on the culinary experience before them. Occasionally, they exchanged remarks about the food, but the conversation remained sparse, almost as if they were both caught in a delicate dance of unspoken thoughts.

After a diligent half-hour of eating, Darcy felt a satisfying fullness settle in her stomach. She excused herself, making her way to the restroom. The soft hum of chatter and clinking cutlery faded behind her as she navigated the restaurant’s ambiance.

Upon exiting, she took only a few steps when she collided with an unexpected figure. The moment their eyes locked, time seemed to suspend itself.

Darcy paused, her heart racing as she inhaled deeply, summoning the courage to approach this surprising encounter. “Mrs. Vance, hello,” she greeted, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves.

She had never anticipated running into Zane’s mother in such a setting.

Olena Vance appeared equally taken aback, but her expression quickly transformed into a warm smile that lit up her face. “Darcy! What a pleasant surprise! It feels like ages since we last met. I’ve truly missed you.”

With grace, she stepped forward, taking Darcy’s hand gently and giving the back of it a soft pat, a gesture that felt both familiar and distant.

“Yes, it has been a while, Mrs. Vance. Are you here for dinner too?” Darcy managed, pressing her lips together and subtly withdrawing her hand, a protective instinct kicking in.

To her credit, Olena had always been kind to her, a stark contrast to the other affluent women who had often looked down upon Darcy’s modest upbringing. Olena had frequently reminded Zane to cherish Darcy, urging him to shed the icy demeanor he often wore.

The idea of their engagement had initially sprung from Olena’s encouragement, suggesting that they were at an age where such commitments were not only appropriate but welcomed.

This history was why Darcy maintained a polite demeanor toward Olena, despite the undeniable shift in their relationship. The warmth they once shared had cooled, leaving an awkward tension in its wake.

Darcy’s smile, though genuine, carried a hint of strain that did not go unnoticed by Olena. It was likely that Zane had already informed Darcy about the engagement being off.

Olena’s heart ached for the girl before her; she had seen firsthand the dedication and effort Darcy had poured into the company and her relationship with Zane. It was precisely this loyalty that had kept her from meddling in their affairs.

Over the years, many socialites had attempted to introduce their daughters to Zane, but Olena could see that none of them could hold a candle to Darcy. Those delicate, high-maintenance women were simply not in the same league.

Darcy was capable, adaptable, and effortlessly poised in any situation. Her humble background had only added to her charm, and most importantly, her love for Zane ran deep—she would have sacrificed anything for him.

What a tragedy it was, Olena thought, that they were not destined to be together. Zora had always been Zane’s childhood dream, and with her return, Darcy’s place in his life seemed to have faded.

If Zora were merely a pretty face, Olena might have urged her son to look beyond mere appearances. But Zora was not just beautiful; she was also astute and came from a prestigious family. Olena found herself lacking any grounds for objection.

With a flicker of sympathy, Olena regarded Darcy, her eyes softening. “Yes, I’m here meeting some friends. Are you on your own?”

As they drove, she felt an overwhelming urge to call Zane. “Have you talked to Darcy about calling off the engagement?”

Zane’s low grunt of affirmation echoed through the phone.

Olena sighed, the weight of the conversation heavy on her heart. “Indecision only prolongs the pain. A clean break is better for both of you, and for Darcy too. What do you plan to do about the company?”

Zane frowned, confusion etching his features. “What do you mean?”

Olena clarified, “Darcy will find out about Zora as soon as she returns from her leave. Your relationship with Zora is bound to progress sooner or later. You surely don’t plan to keep Darcy at the company, do you?”

“In my opinion, it’s best to let Darcy go. Offer her a generous severance package. It can compensate for all her contributions over the years.”

As Olena finished speaking, she noticed the corners of Zane’s deep-set eyes reddening, a flicker of emotion passing through them.

“No,” he replied, his voice firm and resolute. “I won’t fire her!”

He had already informed Darcy about the temporary end of their engagement. If he were to let her go from the company as well…

It would feel like ripping her completely out of his life, and he couldn’t bear the thought.