Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 51

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

**Chapter 51: You Really Don’t Like Darcy?**

As the conversation flowed, a sudden surge of excitement erupted from the entrance, breaking the moment’s calm.

All heads turned in unison toward the doorway, curiosity etched on their faces.

The Blackwoods had arrived.

In the elite society of Actheburg, the Blackwoods stood out as the most distinguished family—who wouldn’t want to be in their good graces? The moment they stepped inside, they instantly became the focal point of attention, drawing the eyes of everyone present.

Ines leaned slightly toward Zora, his voice barely above a whisper, “Which Blackwood is this? They sure know how to make an entrance.”

Zora’s complexion drained of color, her expression shifting to one of unease. Her body tensed, as if sensing the weight of an impending storm.

At that moment, her mother, Susan, approached with a purposeful stride, her demeanor radiating calm.

Gently, she pulled Zora aside, her hand resting reassuringly on her daughter’s shoulder.

Leaning closer, she whispered softly into Zora’s ear, “Don’t worry. It’s just Jethro and his sister who have come.”

A wave of relief washed over Zora at her mother’s words.

The specter of Jasper Blackwood loomed in her mind—the one she was once bound to by an ill-fated marriage arrangement. Jasper, Jethro’s cousin, had severed ties with their family after a tragic car accident years ago, a rift that had only deepened over time. In a drunken outburst, he had declared he was cutting all connections, a promise he kept by moving abroad for medical treatment, never to return to family gatherings again.

With the recent cancellation of the engagement with the Moss family, it was unlikely that Jasper and his mother would ever set foot in their homeland again.

This gave the Moss family a false sense of security, believing that Jethro, representing the Blackwood family in Aethelburg, was blissfully unaware of the true circumstances surrounding the broken engagement.

This ignorance was precisely why they had felt bold enough to extend an invitation to Jethro.

Now, with his actual presence, it was evident that he had no inkling of the underlying tensions.

The oppressive weight that had settled on Zora’s chest lifted like a heavy fog dissipating under the sun.

She entwined her arm with her mother’s and stepfather’s, moving forward with the other senior members of the Moss family to warmly greet the newcomers.

As the host family approached, the other guests instinctively stepped aside, creating a clear path for the Blackwoods.

Jethro stood tall, dressed impeccably in a black three-piece suit that hugged his lean frame perfectly. Under the shimmering lights, he radiated an aura of sophistication and grace.

With deliberate steps, he made his way toward Zora and her mother, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, his sharp eyes glinting with a magnetic allure.

He inclined his head slightly, his voice smooth and resonant. “Ms. Moss, happy birthday.”

Zora felt as if time had momentarily frozen, her heart racing in her chest like a wild stallion.

It took her a few precious moments to gather her scattered thoughts and regain her composure.

Susan beamed, “Mr. Blackwood, it’s truly an honor to have you here with us this evening.”

After exchanging polite pleasantries with Susan, Jethro’s attention shifted to Zora. “Dr. Moss. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Susan’s surprise was palpable. “You’ve met before?”

“Absolutely. I admire her more than ever. Those difficult clients? She has them eating out of her hand by the time she’s done. Even someone like me, who typically dreads going to work, finds joy in it because of her.”

Suddenly, she shifted the topic, batting her eyelashes at Jethro. “You really don’t like Darcy? I mean, in the ‘guy-likes-girl’ kind of way?”

Jethro hesitated, his expression turning contemplative.

After a lengthy pause, he replied simply, “No.”

Cindy pouted, disappointment washing over her. “Okay.”

She had envisioned this as the perfect opportunity for someone to sweep Darcy off her feet, freshly heartbroken as she was. If a reliable, devoted man entered her life now, it could help her heal quickly.

But why did Cindy believe her brother was that devoted man?

It was because, ever since the end of his first love, Jethro hadn’t pursued any relationship for years.

Yet here he was, denying any feelings for Darcy.

It seemed that the shadow of his past still loomed large in his heart.

Cindy lowered her gaze, the light in her eyes dimming.

Jethro naturally drew attention wherever he stood, and soon, more guests flocked to him, eager to network and make connections. Cindy, who had always loathed such social gatherings, sought out a quieter corner to collect her thoughts.

However, she was taken aback when, the moment she settled, a group of young socialites surrounded her, showering her with compliments and flattery.

“Ms. Blackwood, your manicure is absolutely stunning! Such exquisite taste!”