Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 58

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 58**
**Chapter 58 Give It Your All, Not Just Effort**

As Jethro stepped onto the stage, Zane’s brow furrowed deeper, casting a shadow over his features.

The theme of today’s forum was FinTech, a sector where the Blackwood Group’s subsidiary had only recently begun to carve out its niche. So, what gave Jethro the audacity to stand there, representing a corporation that was still finding its footing?

It was nothing more than the privilege that came with being the heir of the Blackwood Group!

Zane’s demeanor turned frosty, the chill of his thoughts matching the expression on his face.

“Why couldn’t that be me up there?” he mused bitterly. If only he had been accepted into the Vance Group’s main business, perhaps he would have been the one basking in the spotlight today, delivering a corporate address that would resonate with the audience.

In the shadows, his hand tightened into a fist, knuckles whitening with the intensity of his resolve.

No matter the obstacles, he was determined to make the Vances see his true potential!

The corporate speeches came to a close, signaling the end of the first half of the forum.

A twenty-minute intermission was announced, a brief respite that many attendees seized to network and forge connections with industry leaders.

Zora’s gaze drifted forward. Both Alistair and Jethro were enveloped by throngs of admirers, their charisma drawing people in like moths to a flame.

“Let’s go over there,” she suggested to Zane, her tone a mix of eagerness and determination.

“Yeah,” Zane replied, rising to his feet. His eyes, however, couldn’t help but flicker toward Darcy, who stood a little way off, her expression filled with longing as she gazed at the influential figures at the front.

It was clear she yearned to engage with someone like Alistair or Jethro, but alas, she had resigned. If circumstances had been different, Zane might have considered bringing her along to share in this experience.

Alistair was surrounded by layers of people, a veritable fortress of admirers. Many attendees found themselves unable to approach him directly, settling instead for conversations with his star pupil, Bram.

Zora and Zane decided to do the same, moving through the crowd until they reached Bram.

Upon seeing them, Bram’s memory flickered back to the birthday celebration, and he adjusted his glasses with a friendly smile. “Mr. Vance, Dr. Moss. What a pleasure to see you both again.”

“Hello, Bram,” Zora replied warmly, a smile brightening her face.

She glanced over at the sea of people surrounding Alistair and then turned back to Bram. “Will you and Prof. Reed have some time later? We’d love to invite you both to dinner.”

Bram shook his head politely, his expression apologetic. “Thank you, but Prof. Reed is currently engrossed in his research. We need to return to campus quite soon.”

“What a pity,” Zora said, her tone genuinely regretful.

With so many individuals clamoring for Alistair’s attention, Zora and Zane quickly realized that this was not the right moment to broach the topic of the patent purchase.

Before long, Alistair and Bram made their exit, leaving the remaining crowd feeling somewhat deflated.

Zora realized she needed to use the restroom, and Zane accompanied her, carrying her bag with a protective air.

As Alistair departed, Darcy followed them toward the main entrance. When the crowd began to thin, and just as Alistair was about to step into his car, she mustered the courage to approach.

“Prof. Reed,” she called out, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

Alistair and Bram turned to face her, surprise flickering in their eyes.

“Darcy!” Bram exclaimed, his face lighting up with recognition.

Alistair shot him a warning glare, and Bram’s enthusiasm was instantly subdued.

Darcy stepped forward, eager to share her recent progress in her studies and her efforts to catch up.

“Mm. Bram mentioned it,” Alistair replied, his demeanor remaining somewhat distant. He offered her blunt yet well-meaning advice. “Even though you’re applying for the part-time program, the graduate entrance exams have become increasingly competitive in recent years. Passing the written exam is quite challenging. You need to give it your all, not just ‘effort.’”

Darcy understood the underlying concern in his words. She nodded earnestly, determination shining in her eyes. “I know.”