Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 49

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 49: Gwen’s Brother?**

It had been a mere coincidence that he had dropped by the last time.

Suddenly, Darcy felt a peculiar sensation wash over her, her nose crinkling slightly in confusion.

What was it about Jethro that had her so intrigued?

After all, they weren’t study partners!

Speaking of study partners, Darcy glanced at the clock on the wall, anxiety creeping in. She had arranged to meet Bram at ten o’clock. Why was he late?

Just as she was about to send him a quick text, she caught sight of him walking in.

But he wasn’t alone. Trailing behind him was a petite figure, a curious little tagalong.

And what a charming little tagalong she was!

Darcy offered a warm greeting to Bram, but her attention was quickly diverted to the girl standing shyly behind him. “And you are…?” she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

The girl, unfazed by the attention, introduced herself with a voice that was soft, sweet, and undeniably endearing. “Hi! I’m Gwen Sterling. My parents chose the name Gwen for me because I’m the only girl in the family—they thought it was a gentle, precious name that perfectly suited their one special girl.”

A genuine smile spread across Darcy’s face as she replied, “Hello! I’m Darcy Gale.”

“Wow, what a beautiful name!” Gwen exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

Darcy felt a rush of warmth at the compliment, something she had never experienced before.

Her smile broadened, and she exchanged glances between Gwen and Bram, feeling a strange sense of camaraderie growing.

Bram, sensing the moment, awkwardly cleared his throat and explained, “Ms. Sterling here is an undergraduate at Quest University. She’s interested in applying for Prof. Reed’s full-time master’s program and had some questions for me.”

“I’ve told you a hundred times, call me Gwen!” Gwen puffed out her cheeks, glaring playfully at Bram, clearly disliking the formality of being addressed as “Ms. Sterling.”

Bram scratched his head, a sheepish grin on his face. “Well, you’ve asked your questions. Maybe it’s time to head back and study?”

His intention to send her off was unmistakable, but Gwen was as stubborn as they come.

With a soft thud, she placed her backpack on the desk opposite Darcy, her determination evident.

She blinked, her big eyes wide with hope. “Darcy, can I sit across from you?”

Darcy pressed her lips together, taken aback by the girl’s boldness. However, she couldn’t help but smile. “Of course.”

Gwen beamed as she settled into her seat.

Bram let out a resigned sigh, conceding to the inevitable.

“Which problems are giving you trouble?” he asked, pulling out the chair beside Darcy and leaning in, his voice gentle.

Darcy pushed the practice questions toward him, their faces drawing closer as they focused. “These two.”

Bram glanced at the questions, then took the pen from Darcy’s hand with a practiced ease. He began to work through the steps on a piece of scratch paper, explaining each part to her with clarity and patience.

Across the table, Gwen bit the end of her pen, her expression shifting to one of sulky discontent.

In a moment of defiance, she pulled out her laptop and began typing furiously, the chaotic rhythm of her keystrokes filling the air.

Too bad the two engrossed in their studies were oblivious to her noisy rebellion.

Once Bram had clarified the two questions, Darcy experienced a sudden spark of understanding. The gaps in her knowledge, previously unnoticed, were now filled with newfound clarity.

He was tall, with refined features that exuded a quiet confidence.

Darcy’s heart skipped a beat, her steps faltering as recognition washed over her.

It was Hugo.

Gwen’s… brother?

Hugo appeared equally surprised to see Darcy standing there.

He paused for a moment, processing the situation, before striding toward them with an easy grace.

“Finished reviewing?” he asked, affectionately patting Gwen’s head.

“Yeah! Oh, Hugo, this is Darcy, a new friend I made today. Could you give her a ride home? She lives near campus,” Gwen said, tugging at Hugo’s sleeve with enthusiasm.

Darcy quickly interjected, “No need, riding my bike is very convenient.”

The thought of accepting a ride from Hugo felt uncomfortable; after all, she had recently broken up with Zane, and there was no reason to maintain ties with his friends.

Even though Hugo had always treated her with kindness, she felt it was best to keep her distance.

Hugo seemed to read her thoughts, nodding slightly before gesturing for Gwen to get into the car first.

Then, he turned his attention to Darcy, his expression thoughtful.

“I didn’t know Gwen was your sister,” Darcy said, eager to clarify any potential misunderstandings.

The truth was, despite having been with Zane for seven years, she had never formed a close bond with any of his friends. She hadn’t even known Hugo had a sister until this very moment.