Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 40

**Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 40: Weren’t You Engaged to His Cousin?**

Kaia sat there, her heart heavy with a sense of injustice. The way Eliot had behaved was utterly inappropriate, and she felt a wave of anger rising within her. With a voice barely above a whisper, she ventured, “Dr. Moss…”

Zora, ever perceptive, noticed the turmoil in Kaia’s eyes. She reached out, gently patting Kaia’s hand, a gesture of comfort. “Feeling wronged, are we?”

Kaia nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, a reflection of her hurt and frustration.

“I’m so sorry,” Zora replied, her tone sincere. “It was my oversight. I shouldn’t have left you alone like that. You wouldn’t have had to deal with his harassment if I had stayed.”

Kaia quickly wiped at her tears, grateful that Dr. Moss understood her plight. It felt good to know that someone recognized the discomfort she had endured.

She shook her head slightly, trying to dismiss the weight of the situation. “It’s okay. He didn’t get his way in the end. But we still didn’t finalize the deal.”

With a tender smile, Zora brushed away the remnants of Kaia’s tears, her expression devoid of blame. “No worries. We’ll seal the deal next time, I promise.”

A warmth spread through Kaia’s chest. Dr. Moss was truly a kind soul, not one to lash out even when things went awry.

After settling the bill, they made their way outside. As they approached the next private room, Zora paused, her expression shifting slightly.

“Kaia, why don’t you wait for me in the car? I just need to say goodbye to Mr. Vance.”

“Oh.” Kaia bit her lip, feeling a flicker of disappointment. She had a yearning to enter the room, to be part of the conversation, but without an invitation from Zora, she felt it would be rude to intrude.

The private room was bustling with laughter and chatter, a vibrant atmosphere that enveloped Zora as she slipped inside unnoticed.

Her gaze swept across the room, quickly locating Zane, Hugo, and Ines, who were gathered in a corner, drinks in hand. Zora made her way over to them, her heart racing slightly.

“Ah, Dr. Moss has arrived!” Ines exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she spotted Zora first.

Zora couldn’t help but smile, albeit with a hint of exasperation. “I’ve told you countless times, just call me Zora.”

Ines laughed, a melodic sound that filled the air. “How could I? You’re the most educated among us! We ought to treat you like a rare gem!”

Zora’s academic achievements were indeed impressive—a PhD from a prestigious university abroad in economics. Her reputation within their social circle was nothing short of stellar.

Only a fool, like the second son of the Blackwood family, would dare to sever ties with the esteemed Moss family.

Zora’s gaze drifted to the center of the room, where a throng of people surrounded Jethro, their heads bent in eager conversation.

Turning back to her childhood friends, she asked, “Have you had a chance to greet him yet?”

Zane frowned, shaking his head. “Not yet.”

“It’s absolutely packed in there. Everyone is clamoring for a moment with the head of the Blackwood family,” Hugo chimed in, a hint of admiration in his voice.

That was understandable; an opportunity to converse with Jethro was a rare gem indeed.

Suddenly, Ines’ eyes lit up, a spark of inspiration igniting within her. “Oh! Dr. Moss, you must know Jethro quite well, right? Weren’t you engaged to his cousin?”

The moment those words left her lips, both Zane and Hugo turned to look at her, their expressions curious.

The engagement between the Moss and Blackwood families was well-known, a union that had been arranged in their youth but had mysteriously unraveled.

Jethro couldn’t possibly know the real reason behind the dissolution of my engagement to his cousin. Both families had agreed to keep the details under wraps.

As Jethro listened to the introduction, a smile spread across his face. “Mr. Vance, you certainly have an eye for talent. It’s no wonder your company has flourished.”

A flicker of guilt crossed Zane’s features.

Much of the rapid growth could be attributed to Darcy, who, despite her contributions, lacked the impressive pedigree that Zora possessed.

Suddenly, Jethro turned to Zora, his demeanor warm and inviting. “Dr. Moss, did you have a hand in developing all of Summit Core’s products? I have a few questions I’d love to ask.”

Zora smiled, her confidence wavering slightly. “Please, go right ahead.”

Jethro posed two questions—each one expertly crafted, demanding a level of professionalism that caught Zora off guard.

She felt a flush of embarrassment creep onto her face.

Jethro raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “Is something wrong, Dr. Moss? Are my questions too challenging?”

Zora felt her complexion shift from pale to crimson. One hand, hidden from view, clenched into a fist.

Oh no. I didn’t even grasp his questions fully!

Jethro, ever patient, repeated the inquiries.

Zora fought to maintain her composure. “Those are excellent questions, Mr. Blackwood. However, for the sake of professionalism, I’d prefer to reflect on them a bit more before providing an answer. Would you mind sharing your contact information?”