Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 47

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 47**

**Chapter 47: She’d Pick Zora Too**

“What skills? If she had any good news, she would have proudly announced it to the entire company by now. She hasn’t uttered a single word. That bid is undoubtedly a lost cause.”

Inside her office, Darcy was blissfully ignorant of the whispers and speculation swirling around her. With a focused determination, she kept her gaze fixed on her work, her fingers dancing across the keyboard as she immersed herself in spreadsheets and reports.

As the clock inched towards noon, a nagging thought crept into her mind—she had completely forgotten to return the signed contract to Rowan.

With a hasty breath, she decided to take the elevator upstairs, her heart racing slightly as she anticipated the brief interaction.

After handing over the contract, she noticed Jethro was also present in his office. Feeling a surge of gratitude, she knocked lightly on the door and stepped inside to greet him.

Jethro’s face brightened with a smile as he saw her. “You look rejuvenated today! I take it the resignation went smoothly yesterday?”

Darcy returned his smile, her hand instinctively brushing against her cheek. “Yes, it went well,” she replied, her voice steady, though she chose to omit the details of Zane’s uninvited visit the previous night. She had no intention of burdening her boss with her personal turmoil.

Instead, she redirected the conversation towards the Easemark Ventures project. “I’ve confirmed that Easemark is set to open the bids in two weeks. Cade and I will be visiting the site then.”

Jethro nodded approvingly. “I’ll accompany you,” he stated confidently.

Darcy’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

She bit her lip, feeling the weight of honesty settle upon her. “I’ve attempted to meet with Mr. Steele privately a few times, but he always brushes me off, claiming he’s too busy. I fear this project might be a lost cause.”

“It’s alright,” Jethro replied with an unconcerned smile, his demeanor relaxed. “Cindy mentioned you helped her secure that old client. Plus, you’ve been in touch with several potential new ones. I’m genuinely pleased with your performance over the past month. Even if the Easemark project doesn’t pan out, it’s still fine.”

Darcy felt a flush of warmth at his words, taken aback by such unexpected praise from her boss. “I was merely doing my job,” she said, her voice tinged with modesty.

Before she exited, Jethro added, “Next week, the district is organizing a FinTech Forum. We’ll attend together.”

He reached for an invitation on his desk and handed it to her.

Darcy opened it, her eyes scanning the details. When she saw Summit Core Tech listed among the invited companies on the back, a slight frown creased her brow.

Jethro noticed the subtle shift in her expression, and after a moment’s pause, he said, “If you feel uncomfortable…”

“It’s fine. I’ll go with you,” Darcy interjected, her expression resolute. “It’s no big deal.”

Jethro’s brow relaxed, a look of relief washing over his face. “Good.”

Meanwhile, at SummitCore Tech, the news of Darcy’s resignation eventually trickled down to Zora and Kaia.

She wanted to witness what Darcy could accomplish without the support of Summit Core and without Zane’s protection.

An older, unmarried woman without children—what company would genuinely place her in charge?

Zora, seeing through Kaia’s feigned willingness, decided to visit Zane after her afternoon meeting.

“Zane, I heard about Ms. Gale resigning. I suspect my sudden arrival might have caused a misunderstanding. If you don’t mind, I’d like to go and explain things to her in person,” Zora said, gently biting her lower lip, her eyes filled with sincerity.

Zane was taken aback, though not entirely surprised.

His mind had been preoccupied in recent days, drifting even during meetings. Without Rex’s reminders, he might not have even noticed the shift in the office dynamics.

His thoughts often wandered back to Darcy.

Sometimes he recalled her in meetings, confidently discussing market prospects, while other times, he remembered her in his apartment, caring for him—cooking, cleaning, and watching him work late with that soft, affectionate gaze in her eyes.

His frequent distractions must have sparked rumors, which had inevitably reached Zora’s ears.

But Zora was innocent in this—caught up in a situation she hadn’t created. Seeing her look so guilty now tugged at his heart.

He rose from his seat and moved beside her, offering comfort. “This isn’t your fault. Darcy is simply being willful. I had intended to formally introduce you to her once she returned from leave to clarify your roles. Instead, she chose to resign without my knowledge. She just can’t seem to make room for anyone else.”