Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 37

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 37**
**Chapter 37 Bestic**

Zane’s personality was as frigid as a winter’s night, making it seem like only someone as resilient as Darcy could truly endure his aloofness. There was an undeniable dynamic between them, a connection that seemed to defy logic. If Zane ever truly allowed Darcy to penetrate the walls he had built around himself, what would happen?

Hugo found himself wrestling with an unsettling emotion, something he couldn’t quite articulate. Deep down, he sensed that Zane might come to regret his choices one day. But would that regret be a negative thing? Not necessarily. A flicker of anticipation danced within Hugo, igniting a spark of curiosity about the future.

He leaned back, letting the cool night air wash over him as he took a hefty swig of his drink. His dark, contemplative eyes absorbed the shadows of the evening, reflecting a world of thoughts and emotions that swirled within him.

After the POC at Easemark Ventures wrapped up, Darcy made several attempts to meet with Eamon in private. She was eager to gauge how their presentation had truly resonated. Yet, each time she reached out, he deflected her with a dismissive wave, claiming he was too preoccupied with other matters.

A heavy weight settled in Darcy’s chest, a mix of disappointment and frustration.

It seemed that Easemark hadn’t been impressed. Or perhaps Bex was maneuvering behind the scenes for Zora’s benefit.

Regardless, there was little she could do at this juncture.

“Do your best and leave the rest to fate,” she reminded herself, a mantra she had held close for years.

Even if this whole endeavor was merely a courtesy bid, she felt compelled to see it through to completion.

Darcy and Cade meticulously prepared the tender documents, ensuring they met Easemark’s stringent requirements before sending them off. With that task behind her, Darcy hit the streets once more, determined to chase down new clients.

Her efforts bore fruit when two smaller financial firms expressed genuine interest in what Stratagem Tech had to offer.

Back at the office, Darcy was summoned by Cindy, the boss’s sister.

Darcy had largely adopted a hands-off approach with Cindy, allowing her to navigate her own path. After all, what demands could Cindy possibly make of her, given their familial ties?

Yet, to Cindy’s credit, she held herself to high standards. She never relied on her family name to push her agenda; instead, she rolled up her sleeves and dove into the work when challenges arose.

“I’ve got this old client,” Cindy said, her frustration palpable. “Their three-year contract is up for renewal, but they’re playing hardball. The previous contract was worth a million dollars, and now they’re insisting on a twenty percent discount, pushing it down to 800 thousand. They’re even threatening to take their business elsewhere if we don’t comply.”

She let out a heavy sigh, “I’ve tried every tactic in the book. The soft approach, the hard line. I even pulled the ‘I’m the Blackwood Group CEO’s sister’ card. Nothing seems to work.”

Darcy took a sip of her coffee, her mind racing. “Mhm, it’s not surprising they didn’t back down,” she replied, her tone measured.

“What do you mean by that?” Cindy’s eyes widened, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her voice as she thought Darcy was mocking her.

Darcy simply smiled, her expression calm. “The Blackwood Group does carry significant weight, sure. People may give a little extra consideration to someone with that name. But remember, Blackwood’s primary business is finance, which overlaps with this client’s operations. In essence, you’re competitors.”

Cindy scrunched her face in disbelief. “Competitors? With their size? They’re not even in our league.”

Darcy shook her head slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips as she chose not to elaborate further.

Later that afternoon, Cindy decided to accompany Darcy to meet the old client, but only Darcy was invited into the meeting room. Cindy remained in the lounge, her anticipation bubbling beneath the surface.

To Cindy’s astonishment, within just thirty minutes, Darcy had not only smoothed over the tense negotiations but had also secured the client’s representative’s signature on the contract right then and there.

Once outside the building, Cindy seized Darcy’s arm, her eyes wide with disbelief. “What on earth? What kind of magic did you work to get that old fox to sign on the dotted line so quickly?”

This was Darcy’s first experience in such an upscale venue, and she couldn’t help but let her eyes wander, taking in the opulence surrounding her.

Cindy strode in with an air of confidence, as if she owned the place. She relayed a booth number to a dashing server, who promptly escorted them to a private room, placing menus before them with a flourish.

“My treat, Darcy,” Cindy declared, waving her hand grandly. “Order anything your heart desires.”

Darcy blinked in surprise. “Darcy?”

The familiarity in Cindy’s address caught her off guard.

Cindy raised an eyebrow playfully. “I asked my brother about you. We’re the same age, and your birthday is only two months before mine. Outside of work, I’m calling you Darcy. Is that alright with you?”

Darcy couldn’t help but smile, feeling a warmth blossom within her. “Sure, that works for me.”

After they placed their orders, Darcy picked up her water glass, her gaze drifting to Cindy’s animated, beautiful face across the table.

Cindy’s personality radiated positivity. She would undoubtedly make a solid best friend.

Best friend…

Darcy’s fingers tightened around her glass as memories flooded back.

In her childhood, she had cherished Kaia like a little sister. As they grew older, Kaia had become her ride-or-die. And what had she received in return? Only betrayal.