Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 52

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 52: Cracks in the Facade**

“Is that outfit from Hermès today? I heard there’s only one in existence worldwide! I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy!”

Cindy’s annoyance simmered just below the surface. In this bustling social setting, she was acutely aware that her demeanor reflected the prestige of the Blackwood family. Thus, she forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, masking her irritation.

Meanwhile, Kaia had just made her entrance and felt a bitter cocktail of envy and resentment swirling within her.

Cindy radiated an allure that drew the attention of the young socialites like moths to a flame.

What gnawed at Kaia’s insides was the nagging question: why wasn’t she the one basking in that spotlight?

After all, she was the genuine daughter of the Lark family, the one who should have been the center of attention.

Chloe Lark, the imposter who had been living under the same roof for years, could see right through Kaia’s facade.

She understood her stepsister all too well.

Chloe knew Kaia was a vain and thoughtless woman, always seeking validation from others.

With a scoff, she remarked, “An ugly duckling only transforms into a swan if it was born one—and this one isn’t even close to taking flight before floundering and sinking!”

Kaia shot her a furious glare, her eyes narrowing like daggers.

Chloe, unfazed, flicked her long, wavy hair over her shoulder and shot back, “What? Did I say something incorrect?”

Just then, their father, who had been mingling with the guests across the room, waved at Chloe, beckoning her to join him.

It soon became clear that he intended to use this gathering as an opportunity to introduce her to a few promising young men.

Kaia’s heart sank further into bitterness.

She was the biological daughter! Yet in her father’s eyes, it seemed only that pretender mattered!

Just days ago, she had overheard the household staff discussing how the Lark family was already arranging blind dates for Chloe.

Among the potential suitors were heirs from affluent families and the only son of a high-ranking government official—a future paved with luxury and status.

But what about Kaia? No one seemed to show even a flicker of interest in her!

Fuming with frustration, Kaia longed to vent her feelings to someone, yet she realized she hardly knew anyone at this lavish hotel.

Zora and Zane were preoccupied with greeting and toasting the guests, leaving her feeling isolated and alone.

Suddenly, a spark of hope ignited within her.

“Mr. Sterling! Mr. Cross!” Kaia called out, lifting the hem of her dress as she approached Hugo and Ines.

Her shy gaze lingered on Hugo, unable to hide her admiration.

Both men were taken aback for a brief moment before quickly regaining their composure.

Zora had introduced Kaia to them a few times over dinner recently, so they were somewhat familiar with each other.

Hugo offered a slight nod. “Hello.”

Ines, on the other hand, was much more welcoming. “Kaia, calling us ‘Mr.’ feels too formal! Just use our first names from now on!”

He gestured toward himself and then to Hugo. “Ines, Hugo.”

Kaia felt her cheeks flush crimson. “Okay… Ines, Hugo.”

Once she dried her hands, the thought of returning to the main hall felt unappealing, so she sought refuge in an empty lounge.

Scrolling through her phone felt tedious, but she decided to tap on Darcy’s WhatsApp.

She sent a quick message, “What are you up to?”

After about fifteen minutes, Darcy replied, “Studying.”

“Trying to outshine everyone???”

Darcy chuckled softly, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter. “How do you have time to message me? Aren’t you supposed to be at a birthday party?”

Cindy then poured her heart out about the evening’s events to Darcy, sharing every little detail.

Finally, she expressed her heartfelt wish, “I hope your jerk ex and that fake doctor end up locked together! Don’t let them out to ruin anyone else’s life!”

Darcy paused, her finger hovering over the screen. Fake doctor? What did that mean?

Cindy, sensing her confusion, sent another message almost immediately. “Yep, exactly what you’re thinking!”

“Zora had a marriage arrangement with my cousin. They were supposed to get engaged this year. But then my cousin discovered her degree was purchased, and all her papers and publications were ghostwritten. Her personal life abroad was a complete disaster. My cousin dumped her family in an instant. And a woman like that, only your blind ex would treat her like a treasure.”

Darcy was taken aback, but she quickly regained her composure.

Whether it was Zane or Zora, they were both strangers to her now.

The details of deception didn’t matter to her anymore.

Darcy replied with a simple “Okay,” ending the conversation and burying herself back in her studies.