Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 41

**Chapter 41: Targeting Me?**

A sly grin spread across Jethro’s face as he replied, “Of course. My assistant will be in touch.” His tone was casual, but there was an edge to it that made Zane’s skin prickle.

Zane, undeterred, attempted once more to shift the conversation toward the possibility of a partnership, his mind racing with ideas and strategies. Yet, this time, Jethro offered no reply, his attention drifting away as others approached him, eager to engage in discussion. The air around them buzzed with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses, but Jethro seemed completely absorbed in a conversation with someone else, leaving Zane feeling like an invisible man.

A wave of awkwardness washed over him, and he exchanged a glance with Hugo, who looked equally perplexed. Sensing the tension, Zane decided it was best to retreat, slipping out of the private room with a sense of defeat.

Once outside, Ines couldn’t hold back her disdain. “He’s just flaunting his family money. What’s so noble about him, huh?” Her voice dripped with sarcasm, reflecting her contempt for Jethro’s demeanor.

Hugo shot her a warning look, his eyes narrowing. “Watch what you say,” he cautioned, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.

They made their way down to the first floor, the atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts as they headed toward the parking lot. As they approached their vehicles, Hugo turned to Zane, his expression serious. “I can’t shake the feeling that Jethro’s got it in for you. It’s like he’s targeting you specifically.”

Zane’s heart raced at the implication. Targeting me? The thought was bewildering. He barely knew Jethro, and their companies weren’t even in direct competition. There was no logical reason for such animosity.

Ines scoffed, her voice dripping with scorn. “Maybe that’s just the kind of guy he is. Used to everyone kissing his butt and looking down on everyone else.” Her words hung in the air, laden with judgment.

Silence enveloped them as they climbed into their cars, the weight of unspoken words lingering in the air. Zora, who hadn’t driven, settled into the passenger seat of Zane’s car, her presence a small comfort in the thick tension.

As Zane navigated the streets, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, fixating on the two questions Jethro had posed earlier. He glanced sideways at Zora, curiosity piquing. “What did you think of those questions Jethro asked?” he inquired, hoping for some clarity.

While waiting for the elevator earlier, Zora had quickly scoured the internet for answers, her fingers flying over her phone. Now, she presented her findings as if they were her own insights. “Well, I think he was referring to…” she began, her voice steady.

“I see,” Zane replied, loosening the top two buttons of his shirt, feeling a bit more at ease. “Honestly, I didn’t fully grasp his questions at the time. Your explanation really clears things up.” He flashed her a warm smile, grateful for her input. “Good thing we have you on the team.”

Zora returned his smile, a hint of modesty in her demeanor. “It’s nothing,” she said, her cheeks slightly flushed.

As she reached for a tissue from the center console, her hand inadvertently brushed against Zane’s. A tiny spark of electricity shot through the air, causing both of them to freeze momentarily. Zane’s lips pressed together, a fleeting moment of surprise crossing his face. He quickly retrieved a tissue, handing it to her with a soft smile.

Blushing, Zora accepted it, biting her lip. “Thanks,” she murmured, her voice almost a whisper.

Zane drove her to her apartment building, the night air cool and refreshing. He parked, then walked around the car to open the passenger door for her, his chivalrous gesture met with a grateful smile.

“See you tomorrow,” Zora said, waving as she stepped out, her smile brightening the dim street.

He waited until she disappeared through the building’s entrance before driving off, his mind still swirling with thoughts. Stopped at a red light, an unsettling thought crossed his mind. If Darcy had been there tonight, would she have been able to answer Jethro’s questions without hesitation? He recalled her prowess in negotiations, how she could cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of the matter.

Before he could fully process his thoughts, Zane found himself parked outside Darcy’s apartment building, his heart racing. How had he ended up here? Ines’s tips about courting a girl echoed in his mind, but he hesitated, grappling with the weight of their recent history.

After a moment of contemplation, he picked up his phone, dialing her number.

“Hello? Zane?” Darcy’s voice came through the line, cool and distant, sending a chill down his spine.

Zane wasn’t accustomed to her frosty tone. Outside of work, she used to call him “Zane” with warmth and affection.

“Have you noticed, ever since Dr. Moss joined, Mr. Vance doesn’t seem as constantly grumpy?” one of the HR staff remarked, her voice light, filled with excitement.

“Oh, totally! And his whole style has changed. It’s like a full-on peacock display!” another chimed in, laughter bubbling up around them.

“Ahhh, I totally ship them!” a third voice added, and the trio erupted into giggles, their camaraderie evident.

However, when they turned to see Darcy standing at the entrance, their laughter abruptly ceased, replaced by an awkward silence that hung heavily in the air.

“Uh… Darcy? You’re… back from leave?” one of the quicker staff members stammered, approaching her with a hesitant smile.

An uncomfortable atmosphere enveloped the room. Everyone was acutely aware that Darcy was the company’s soon-to-be Vice President. The HR department had even drafted the promotion announcement, ready to release it upon her return from the business trip.

But then Zora had arrived, shifting the dynamics in ways no one had anticipated.

Initially, some colleagues had felt sympathy for Darcy, but after Zane had fired someone for discussing it, the chatter had died down.

Recently, the office grapevine buzzed with news of Zora’s impressive capabilities, especially her potential to land the massive Easemark Ventures bid all on her own.

Landing a deal that substantial after just a month?

The whispers of admiration for Zora began to drown out any lingering sympathy for Darcy, leaving her feeling like a ghost in her own workplace.