Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 59

**Chapter 59: A Seat at the Table**

As Alistair and Bram slid into the car, the engine roared to life, and they drove away, leaving behind a swirl of dust and unanswered questions.

Darcy stood rooted by the roadside, her hand raised in a hopeful wave directed at Alistair. But inside the car, Alistair remained unresponsive, his face an impassive mask, revealing nothing of the thoughts that churned beneath the surface.

This poignant moment unfolded just as Zora and Zane emerged from the restroom, their laughter dissipating into the air as they caught sight of Darcy’s futile gesture.

Zane, observing the scene, felt a strange tug at his heart—a mix of pity and something darker, a vague satisfaction that he couldn’t quite articulate. It was as if the universe had conspired to remind him of the trials Darcy faced since her departure from SummitCore, since the day she had left him behind.

The image of her reduced to pining after Alistair, desperately seeking his approval, struck Zane with an icy clarity. He let out a soft, derisive snort, the sound barely escaping his lips, but it was enough for Zora to catch it.

She linked her arm through Zane’s, her brows furrowing in concern. “Zane, it seems Ms. Gale is eager to make a connection with Professor Reed. But look at his reaction… We do have Bram’s contact information. Should we share it with her?”

Zane shook his head, a smirk creeping onto his lips. “No need for that. What on earth does an unemployed person need with Professor Reed? We’re pursuing a patent acquisition, not a social gathering. She’s just angling for a few flattering words to boast about to her clients later.”

“Typical sales tactics,” he added, his voice dripping with disdain.

Zora pressed her lips together, her expression wavering between disapproval and sympathy. “Zane, that’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?”

He turned to her, his gaze piercing. “Zora, you come from a world of privilege, untouched by the harsh realities that others face. You’re far too innocent to grasp the lengths to which some people will go.”

“Alright,” Zora replied, her tone playful yet contemplative. “Having spent so many years abroad, I suppose I’m not well-versed in the ‘unwritten rules’ of our workplace.”

She emphasized the phrase “unwritten rules,” as if it were a secret code she was just beginning to decipher.

As the intermission came to an end, they made their way back toward the auditorium, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken tension. Darcy was also making her entrance, stepping in from the outside, and as their paths crossed, a charged silence enveloped them.

Six eyes locked in an unyielding stare.

Darcy’s stride faltered, uncertainty washing over her.

Zane remained impassive, his gaze sweeping over her with a dismissive air before he turned away, as if she were nothing more than a fleeting shadow.

Yet Zora, in a surprising twist, offered Darcy a genuine smile.

Caught off guard, Darcy blinked at Dr. Moss. This unexpected warmth was disarming.

She recalled the gossip Cindy had shared about Zora. While perhaps her academic credentials were questionable, her friendly demeanor was undeniable.

In that moment, Darcy felt a flicker of fairness within herself. Zane was the one to blame for her misfortunes; he was the source of her resentment. Zora, innocent in this tangled web, bore no responsibility for the pain Darcy felt.

With this understanding, Darcy nodded slightly in acknowledgment of Zora’s smile, a silent truce forming between them.

As Jethro guided Darcy to the main table, the others present assumed she was his new assistant, a role she had never anticipated.

One attendee, with a teasing glint in his eye, remarked, “Oh? Did Mr. Kerr get fired? I thought he had been with you for years. He’s a good guy. Why let him go?”

In the realm of the Blackwood Group, where salaries, benefits, and prestige were the norm, departures were often viewed through a lens of dismissal rather than choice.

Another voice chimed in, glancing at Darcy with a playful smirk, “You have good taste, Mr. Blackwood. Your new assistant looks quite capable—and pretty! I’m so envious!”

As the comments washed over her, Darcy felt a wave of discomfort rising within.

With a determined breath, she interjected, “Sorry, just to clarify, I’m not Mr. Blackwood’s assistant.”

The room fell silent, all eyes turning toward her in surprise.

Jethro, ever the charmer, smiled and took the opportunity to clarify, “Relax, everyone. I didn’t fire Mr. Kerr—actually, I promoted him two levels. As for the lovely lady beside me—”

He gestured toward Darcy with a flourish. “Allow me to introduce her. This is Ms. Darcy Gale. She is the newly appointed CEO of Stratagem Tech.”

The air in the room shifted, the surprise deepening as the weight of Jethro’s words settled over the gathering.