Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 50

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 50: Hugo, You’re Into Darcy!**

Hugo casually stated, “Gwen is my cousin.”

This revelation shed light on the earlier conversation.

“I’m heading out,” Darcy announced, pivoting on her heels as she prepared to leave.

But just as she was about to step away, Hugo’s voice echoed after her. “Get in the car. I’ll give you a lift.”

Darcy paused, glancing back at him. “No need. It’s not on your way.”

“It actually is. Gwen and I are off to a birthday dinner tonight, and it’s right past your neighborhood,” he insisted, his tone firm yet friendly.

Darcy met his gaze with an even expression. “Zane and I broke up,” she said, the words hanging in the air like a heavy fog.

In her mind, she assumed that Hugo was offering her a ride out of some misplaced loyalty to Zane.

Hugo chuckled lightly, a sound that surprised her. “I know,” he replied, the sincerity in his voice evident.

Darcy blinked, taken aback. He knew about her breakup, and yet he still wanted to drive her?

“After all these years, even if you and Zane have parted ways, there’s still some connection between us,” Hugo remarked, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race.

In truth, it was more than just “some” connection.

Hugo’s gaze roamed over Darcy, taking in the subtle beauty that perhaps others overlooked.

To be fair, Darcy wasn’t the type of woman who turned heads with immediate impact; she was the kind of girl whose charm unfolded gradually, like a flower blooming in slow motion.

Her features were classic, with an elegance that was both timeless and understated. There was a calmness about her, a serene beauty that radiated a grounding energy, one that particularly resonated with mature men.

Moreover, Darcy’s professional prowess was nothing short of remarkable.

The Sterling Group had invested significantly in SummitCore Tech over the past few years, and their collaboration had been frequent. Having worked alongside Darcy, Hugo was well aware of her capabilities.

He found it astonishing that Zane had allowed her to resign; it baffled him deeply.

If Darcy were to join the Sterling Group, he would be overjoyed. He couldn’t fathom letting such talent slip away.

Ultimately, Darcy declined his offer for a ride.

She chose to bike home instead, her thoughts swirling in her mind.

As the G-Class rolled out of the Quest University campus, Gwen leaned forward from the back seat, her curiosity piqued. “Hugo, you know Darcy?”

“Yeah, we’ve crossed paths at work before,” he replied, his tone casual, but his mind was elsewhere.

Gwen, sharp as ever, picked up on something. “Is Darcy super charming when she works?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Hugo paused, contemplating his response. A smile crept onto his face. “Yeah, she really is.”

In an instant, Gwen connected the dots. “Hugo, you’re into Darcy!” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and delight.

Screech—

The tires gripped the asphalt, and the car jolted to an abrupt halt.

Gwen’s head bumped against the front seat, a momentary shock coursing through her.

“Hugo!” she exclaimed, rubbing her head while glaring at him with mock indignation.

Hugo caught her gaze in the rearview mirror, his expression suddenly serious. “Cut it out!” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Zane shot Ines a glare, but he remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Ines, unfazed by the tension, took a small sip of champagne, her gaze shifting to Hugo. “What’s up with you lately? Don’t tell me you’re turning into Zane—colder by the day.”

“Actually, you’re the one turning into Zane!” Hugo shot back, swatting Ines’ hand away in mock disgust. His deep eyes drifted back to Zane and Zora, who were now engrossed in their own conversation.

“Sorry I’m late. Picking up Gwen from campus took longer than expected,” Hugo explained, trying to shake off the earlier tension.

Zora smiled warmly, “Gwen’s a senior this year, right? Graduating next year? I heard she’s also studying Financial Engineering. Would she be interested in joining SummitCore? I could mentor her personally!”

Hugo shook his head, a hint of sadness creeping in. “She’s preparing for grad school. If she gets in, she’ll continue her studies.”

“Why not study abroad? The top schools overseas have stronger Financial Engineering programs,” Zora suggested, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

“Gwen’s been pampered since she was a kid. I doubt she could handle studying abroad,” Hugo replied, a protective tone lacing his words.

Zora laughed lightly, “True. Gwen’s sweet, like a little princess. By the way, which professor is she applying to study under?”

“Prof. Reed at Quest University,” he answered, his mind drifting back to Gwen’s aspirations.

Zora and Zane exchanged knowing glances.

“What a coincidence. We were actually hoping to collaborate with Prof. Reed,” Zora said, her interest piqued.

Ines chimed in, “What kind of collaboration with a university?”

Zane explained, “Prof. Reed holds a patent. We want to acquire it for use in a new product.”

As the evening unfolded, the air was thick with anticipation and unspoken feelings, each character navigating their own tangled web of emotions, connections, and the promise of what lay ahead.