Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 39

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 39 You Into Darcy or What?**

Cindy’s voice rang out with a mix of surprise and excitement as she spotted her brother. “Jethro! What on earth are you doing here?” She dashed over, her arms crossed defiantly, a playful frown on her face. “You won’t believe it, but Darcy and I just splurged twenty thousand dollars tonight. And guess what? It’s all on your tab!”

Darcy felt her breath hitch in her throat, a wave of disbelief washing over her. Twenty thousand dollars? For just four dishes? The extravagance was mind-boggling!

As Jethro swung the car door open and stepped out, the cool night breeze danced around him, lifting the hem of his sleek black coat.

With a gentle tap on Cindy’s head, he wore a warm smile that spoke of brotherly affection. “Sure,” he replied, his tone easygoing.

Then, shifting his attention to Darcy, he asked, “Did she give you any trouble?”

For a fleeting moment, Darcy was taken aback, her mind racing to grasp his meaning. Was he genuinely concerned about Cindy’s behavior?

Cindy huffed, her cheeks puffing out in mock indignation. “Who’s causing trouble here? Darcy and I just secured a fantastic contract today!”

Darcy smiled appreciatively, nodding in agreement. “Yes, she’s absolutely right.”

Jethro’s expression softened, and he nodded approvingly. “Good.”

As Darcy made her way around the front of the car to the passenger seat, Jethro leaned in closer to Cindy, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “Try to come to places like this a little less often from now on.”

Cindy pouted, her lower lip jutting out. “But you come here all the time!”

“That’s for business,” Jethro replied, his tone firm but light.

Cindy, sensing an unusual tension, raised an eyebrow. She had frequented this place many times before, and her brother had never batted an eye. But now, with Darcy by her side, he suddenly seemed concerned.

“Jethro,” she said, her voice teasingly inquisitive.

“Hm?” he replied, his attention still on the car.

Cindy narrowed her eyes playfully. “Are you into Darcy or what?”

Jethro shot her a warning glance, a mixture of surprise and amusement flickering across his face. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

“What’s the big deal? I think she’s wonderful. She’s perfect for you,” Cindy said, fully embracing her role as a matchmaker, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Jethro rubbed his temple, a hint of exasperation creeping into his demeanor. “Just drive safe, okay?”

He watched as the car disappeared into the night, a sense of relief washing over him as he finally turned away.

Meanwhile, Kaia ascended the stairs, clutching a file tightly in her hands. As she pushed open the door to the private room, she found Zora already seated inside, a welcoming wave beckoning her over.

“Come on, Kaia. Sit down,” Zora said, her voice warm and inviting.

Taking a seat, Kaia hesitated before asking, “Where’s Mr. Vance?”

Zora replied casually, “Mr. Blackwood from the Blackwood Group is next door. He went over to raise a toast.”

Kaia’s heart skipped a beat. Jethro was just next door? The realization sent her pulse racing.

In Aethelburg, the Blackwood family was a household name, and their head, Jethro Blackwood, was a figure everyone recognized.

With her body tense, she replied, “I’m twenty-four. I’m Dr. Moss’ assistant.”

“Only twenty-four! So young. You’re the same age as my daughter,” Eliot remarked, his eyes narrowing as his hand inched toward her thigh.

Kaia gasped, her heart racing in shock. “Mr. Kent!” she exclaimed, pulling back sharply, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. “Please, behave yourself!”

Eliot’s expression darkened, but just then, the door swung open.

Zora stepped back into the room, her eyes quickly assessing the situation and understanding the discomfort that had unfolded.

Without missing a beat, she positioned herself protectively in front of Kaia. “Mr. Kent, Kaia is new and still learning the ropes. Please don’t take it to heart.”

She grabbed a glass of red wine from the table and turned to Kaia, her expression serious. “Kaia, drink this and apologize to Mr. Kent.”

Kaia felt a surge of anger as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. He harassed me! Why should I apologize to that creep?! No way!

Zora’s gaze was steady, conveying a message that Kaia couldn’t ignore.

Dr. Moss wouldn’t steer me wrong. After a moment’s hesitation, Kaia reluctantly accepted the glass, downing the wine in one swift motion before bowing her head slightly to Eliot. “I’m sorry, Mr. Kent.”

Only then did Eliot’s anger seem to dissipate. As for signing the contract, he waved his hand dismissively. “Let’s call it a night. Something’s come up. I have to go.”

Once he left, the room fell into an eerie silence, so quiet that even the faintest sound felt amplified.

Kaia, usually slow to catch on, suddenly realized that her reaction had likely jeopardized the deal.