Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 48

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 48**
**Chapter 48: Juggle Both Women**

Zora playfully nudged Zane’s shoulder, a teasing glimmer in her eyes. “You really shouldn’t talk about Ms. Ge like that,” she chided gently, her tone light yet firm.

Zane’s brow furrowed in response, a hint of irritation creeping into his voice. “Darcy is nothing more than a typical salesperson. Besides, she’s resigned. She’s not part of SummitCore Tech anymore,” he retorted, trying to dismiss the topic.

Zora tilted her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “But shouldn’t we at least try to convince her to return?” she asked, a hint of concern threading through her words.

Zane’s internal conflict was evident, although his outward demeanor remained stoic. “It’s really not necessary,” he insisted, though a small part of him questioned that certainty. “The company will manage just fine without her. Dr. Moss, I truly believe you can surpass what she brought to the table.”

A sweet smile graced Zora’s lips as she played with her long, flowing hair, the sunlight catching the strands and making them shimmer. “You’re flattering me, Zane,” she replied, her voice warm. “But I have faith that Ms. Gale will realize her mistake and find her way back to us in time.”

Deep down, Zane shared her belief. He understood that Darcy’s resignation wasn’t rooted in her job title or salary; it had never been about material gain for her. What she truly desired, from the very start, was his heart—a truth that weighed heavily on him.

He was convinced that once the storm of her emotions calmed, she would return to him. After all, Zane was sure that Darcy couldn’t truly walk away from their bond.

“Yeah, probably,” he replied, trying to sound indifferent, though his heart raced with hope.

Zora’s eyes sparkled with certainty. “It’s not just ‘probably.’ She will definitely come back,” she asserted, her confidence infectious.

Zane blinked, taken aback. “How can you be so sure?” he questioned, a flicker of curiosity igniting within him. Did Zora somehow know about his deeper feelings for Darcy?

“Because of the non-compete clause,” Zora explained, her laughter light and airy. “Every employee at the company signed one. I did too when I joined. I’ve read the terms, and they cover every firm in the industry. If Ms. Gale wants to stay in fintech, it’s practically impossible unless she relocates to a different city.”

A wave of realization washed over Zane. How could he have overlooked that crucial detail? It was as if a fog had lifted, revealing the clear path ahead.

He tugged at his tie, feeling a surge of relief. “Darcy isn’t leaving town. Her mother needs care after surgery, and she needs time to recuperate,” he explained, the weight on his shoulders lightening.

It was becoming clear that Darcy would return sooner than he had initially anticipated, and the darkness that had loomed over him for days began to dissipate.

Turning his gaze back to Zora, he couldn’t help but admire her sharp intellect. This woman, sitting beside him, was far more astute than he had given her credit for.

Suddenly, Zora’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Oh, this Saturday is my mother’s birthday. I’d love to invite you and your parents,” she said, her excitement palpable as she handed him three elegantly designed invitations. “Could you pass these along to your father and mother?”

“Of course, I’ll make sure they get them,” Zane replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

That evening, Zane found himself driving back to Vance Manor, the sun setting behind him, casting a warm glow over the world outside.

Upon his arrival, he discovered his father was still at work, leaving only his mother at home to greet him.

After dinner, Zane retrieved the invitations from his pocket, presenting them to his mother with a sense of anticipation.

Olena opened one, her eyes lighting up as she recognized the occasion. “Oh, it’s for Zora’s mother’s birthday celebration,” she chuckled, recalling a conversation she had with Susan earlier that day. “Susan called me to mention it specifically. I’ve already spoken with your father. We’re both going.”

She set the invitation aside and turned her gaze toward Zane, curiosity evident in her expression. “And what about you? Are you planning to go?”

Recently, Olena and Susan Parker had been spending quite a bit of time together, often meeting for coffee. The two families were growing closer, and even Susan’s husband, John Parker, had begun discussing potential business collaborations with Viktor.

Olena understood the Moss family’s intentions perfectly; they were eyeing her son. The real question was, what did Zane think about it all?

If Zane chose to attend, it would signal his acceptance of the burgeoning alliance with the Moss family. If he declined, it would suggest he still held onto feelings for Darcy.

He rolled down the window, letting the cool night air in as he exhaled a cloud of smoke, watching it dissipate into the darkness.

He couldn’t deny the truth that lingered in his heart; a part of him still belonged to Zora. What had begun as a youthful crush had blossomed into a deep admiration.

Moreover, Zora’s connection to the Moss family could solidify his standing in the business world, potentially securing his future within the Vance Group.

But—

Zane took another deep drag, the smoke swirling around him.

He had no intention of giving up on Darcy either.

He believed wholeheartedly that he could manage both relationships, juggling the complexities of his heart.

With a sudden burst of determination, he slammed down on the accelerator, and the sleek Maybach surged forward, disappearing into the night.

On Saturday, Darcy found herself at the Quest University library, as was her routine. The atmosphere here was different; it inspired her, allowing her to focus far better than she could at home.

After an hour of absorbing an online math lecture, fatigue began to creep in. She removed her headphones, stretching her arms above her head, feeling the tension release.

As her eyes wandered around the room, she instinctively searched for a familiar face—yet, there was no sign of him.

The absence was palpable, a reminder of the void she felt in her heart.