Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 35

**Chapter 35: A Tangled Lunch**

A peculiar sense of restlessness began to settle in once again. It was as if a low hum of anxiety had taken residence in Jethro’s chest, stirring his thoughts and making it difficult to focus.

Just then, the buzzing of his phone on the table broke through the haze, providing a welcome distraction.

He reached for the device and made his way toward the entrance of the library, his voice lowered to maintain a semblance of privacy. The call lasted about ten minutes, and as he hung up, he returned to his previous spot, only to find the chair across from him unoccupied.

Well, not entirely—Darcy’s belongings were still there. Her books lay neatly piled, and her notebook remained open, revealing a few large, bold words scrawled across the page.

Curiosity piqued, he leaned closer to read the message. It was from Darcy: “Had to bounce. Lunchtime.”

The handwriting was striking—forceful and confident, the strokes sharp and assertive, reminiscent of a guy’s scrawl rather than the delicate script typically associated with girls. Jethro couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her spirited nature.

He picked up a pen and, with a hint of mischief, jotted down his reply underneath her message: “I’ll find you.”

Quest University boasted several cafeterias, each with its own unique vibe. However, knowing Darcy as he did—not one to fuss over food, always on the lookout for efficiency—he deduced she would opt for the nearest one.

With a sense of certainty, he strolled down the stairs, his tall frame attracting the attention of several female students. A few bold ones approached him, asking for his contact information with flirtatious smiles.

Jethro politely declined each request, his focus unwavering.

Once inside the cafeteria, he began scanning the bustling room for any sign of Darcy. Standing in the middle, he had a decent vantage point, yet he still couldn’t spot her.

Was I mistaken? Is she not here after all?

Just as doubt began to creep in, he heard a familiar voice, and he paused mid-thought.

“Bram, is the roast chicken here any good?”

He turned toward the sound and there she was—Darcy, her face alight with enthusiasm, animatedly discussing the menu with Bram.

That smile of hers was a stark contrast to the reserved, cautious demeanor she often displayed around him.

Jethro felt a twinge of jealousy as he narrowed his eyes slightly. He recognized Bram as his uncle’s prized student, a bright young man with a reputation for excellence. He hadn’t anticipated that Darcy would be so chummy with him.

Determined to interject, Jethro picked up a tray and made his way over, stopping just behind them. “The roast chicken’s so-so. The smoked brisket and honey-glazed ham are far superior,” he chimed in, his deep voice causing both Darcy and Bram to jump slightly and turn around.

Darcy blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard.

What’s he doing here? Does he really need to stay for lunch just to read? Wouldn’t it make more sense to take the book home?

These questions swirled in her mind, but outwardly she maintained her composure, offering a light smile. “You’re eating here too?”

“Yep. I’m planning to dive back into my books this afternoon,” he replied casually.

Bram’s eyes widened as realization dawned on him. “Is your uncle… Prof. Reed?”

Darcy’s heart skipped a beat at his question. Could it be mere coincidence?

But Jethro simply nodded. “Yeah, Prof. Reed is my uncle.”

Stunned, Darcy exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Bram.

Unbelievable!

Bram was equally taken aback, but his feelings quickly grew complicated. This Mr. Blackwood, with the esteemed Prof. Reed as an uncle, was the CEO of the Blackwood Group—a true catch in high society.

And now he was getting closer to Darcy. Did he have hidden motives?

Bram had felt a surge of excitement when he learned that Darcy had broken up with her ex. He had liked her for a while, but his reserved nature held him back from revealing his feelings. He believed in the power of emotions growing over time.

After lunch, the trio made their way back to the library. As they walked, Bram took the opportunity to explain some concepts that Darcy hadn’t grasped that morning, while Jethro quietly immersed himself in his book, a supportive presence beside them.

At three p.m., Bram received a call from Alistair and had to leave, and Darcy returned to her studies, her focus unwavering, seemingly oblivious to Jethro’s presence beside her.

By five o’clock, she finally completed her review for the day, a sense of accomplishment washing over her.