Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 5

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

**Chapter 5: Voice Your Objections**

At Stratagem Tech, the pre-sales manager was none other than Cade Holt. He was a young man, just a year younger than Darcy, with an infectious smile and a demeanor that radiated positivity. It was hard not to feel uplifted in his presence.

As he knocked on the door and entered, Darcy instinctively stood up, her hands moving to pour him a glass of water, a small gesture of hospitality that felt natural to her.

Cade had been briefed by Jethro about Darcy’s one-month trial period, so he was not caught off guard by her presence. Instead, he felt a sense of relief; she seemed capable and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

The two quickly found common ground regarding the bidding for the Easemark Ventures project. It was a significant opportunity, and they both recognized its potential. However, before they could submit a formal bid, it was crucial to arrange a meeting with the client for a system demonstration—a step often referred to as pre-sales or Proof of Concept.

“Cade, could you prepare the pre-sales materials? We’re planning to visit Easemark Ventures in three days,” Darcy instructed, her tone professional yet warm.

After they wrapped up their discussion, Cade took a sip of water, his brow furrowing slightly as he appeared to contemplate something. He looked at Darcy with a hint of curiosity in his eyes, as if he wanted to ask her something but was unsure whether he should.

Darcy, catching his gaze, smiled encouragingly. “Just ask. No need to hold back.”

Caught off guard, Cade’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He scratched his head, his voice a bit hesitant as he finally blurted out, “Ms. Gale, I heard you were at SummitCore. Aren’t you worried about making Mr. Vance angry by joining a direct competitor?”

He had heard the whispers—that Darcy was a seasoned veteran at SummitCore, having been there since its inception. Rumors had circulated about her relationship with Zane, suggesting it was… more than just professional.

Darcy’s gaze dropped momentarily, a faint smile playing on her lips. It was amusing how the sales world thrived on gossip, always eager to spin tales about personal lives.

“He won’t be angry. I’m just a regular salesperson,” she replied, her voice steady but devoid of enthusiasm. “SummitCore will manage just fine without me.” Besides, with Zora in the picture, why would Zane be upset? He might even welcome her departure, seeing it as an opportunity to reconnect with his past.

Cade nodded slowly, scratching his head again. Maybe the rumors were just that—mere conjectures. Why would someone engaged to be married join her fiancé’s rival company?

In the conference room at SummitCore Tech’s top floor, Zora had just finished presenting the details on the Easemark Ventures project. She turned to Zane, who sat at the head of the table. “Mr. Vance, we absolutely must secure the bid for the Easemark project. It’s my first project here, and I sincerely hope to have your full support.”

Zane met her gaze, nodding thoughtfully. “Absolutely. This project is critical. We’ve already secured the largest financial firm in the northern market. Winning Easemark would allow us to hit this year’s targets ahead of schedule, and then we can shift our focus to the IPO.”

SummitCore had always aimed to go public. A couple of years ago, their revenue and profits were insufficient, but thanks to Darcy’s team’s hard work, the company had landed several major projects, significantly boosting their income and profitability. With one final push, the IPO next year seemed within reach.

Zora smiled at Zane’s words. “Thank you, Mr. Vance. I appreciate your confidence in me.”

She was naturally beautiful, exuding an intellectual charm that few women possessed. When she smiled, it was as if the room brightened.

Zane felt a slight flutter in his chest as he looked away, clearing his throat softly into his hand. He scanned the room, his tone turning authoritative. “For the Easemark project, I expect everyone to fully support Dr. Moss.”

The colleagues from R&D and Sales exchanged glances, their silence palpable. No one dared to speak up.

Zane’s frown deepened. “What’s going on here? If anyone has objections, now is the time to voice them!”

His gaze fell upon Rex, who sat to his left, a look of dread washing over him. Oh no! Zane was looking at him as if to blame him for the lack of support.

This felt so unjust! Rex had spoken to both departments privately, urging them not to disrespect Dr. Moss. Why were they suddenly shifting allegiances?

But could he really blame them? A new leader had been thrust into the mix, taking over a project that Ms. Gale had been managing for years… Who would feel comfortable with that?

The conference room fell into an uneasy silence, everyone avoiding eye contact, their heads bowed in apprehension.

Suddenly, Faye Shaw, Darcy’s assistant, stood up, breaking the tension. “Mr. Vance, Ms. Gale has been working on the Easemark project for a long time. She bid on it three years ago during their first public tender. Although we didn’t win then, she has maintained regular contact with their upper management. She has been preparing for this new tender.”

Faye’s voice was steady, but it was clear she was nervous. She was a recent graduate, having been hired by Darcy herself, and had been personally mentored by her. Their close bond was well-known within the company.

There was a time when even Faye’s supposed best friend, Kaia, had complained bitterly that Darcy had found a new friend and forgotten about her.

Outside the conference room, a senior colleague attempted to calm her down. “We understand your loyalty to Ms. Gale, but now isn’t the time to speak up for her. Can’t you see? Mr. Vance is clearly upset with her right now.”

Faye muttered under her breath, “What kind of jerk finds issues with someone who brings in revenue?!”

The others panicked, quickly covering her mouth. “You can’t say things like that!”

Back at her desk, Faye’s anger simmered as she replayed the meeting in her mind. She couldn’t resist sending a message to Darcy.

However, Darcy’s response was measured. “Don’t be impulsive. It’s not worth getting worked up over this. Just keep an eye on the new VP. If she seems decent, consider showing your loyalty.”

Faye was taken aback. What did that mean?

Is Ms. Gale leaving? The realization hit her like a thunderbolt.

Inside the conference room, only Zane and Zora remained.

“You were too harsh earlier,” Zora gently admonished. “Darcy is a founding member who has contributed immensely. Speaking like that will only disillusion the old guard.”

Feeling calmer, Zane recognized that his tone had been excessively severe. Yet—

He looked at Zora, a hint of frustration in his eyes. “If I hadn’t been firm, the people under you might not obey you as easily.”

Zora laughed, her laughter bright and infectious, like a sunflower blooming in full sunlight. “Zane, I think you need a refresher in management. The younger generation isn’t easily intimidated by a few stern words. Don’t worry, I’ll win them over with my skills.”

She was right. Zora held a PhD from abroad, a stark contrast to Darcy, who only had a bachelor’s degree.

Perhaps he had been overthinking it.