Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 60

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

**Chapter 60: How Is She in That Room?**

CEO of Stratagem Tech? This young?

In an instant, a wave of incredulous gazes swept toward Darcy, each one brimming with skepticism and disbelief.

Is it her talent, or is there something more to this?

Darcy felt a familiar tension grip her expression, her heart tightening in response.

Throughout her career, she had endured judgmental stares, often accompanied by whispered doubts about her capabilities, simply because of her profession. Normally, she would have fired back with a sharp retort, ready to defend her worth.

But tonight was unlike any other. The room was filled with industry titans, and to her side stood her boss, Jethro Blackwood, a man whose reputation loomed large in their circles.

Darcy understood better than anyone the depth of Jethro’s respect for her work and the unwavering support he had shown throughout her journey.

She couldn’t bring shame upon him in this critical moment.

With a steely resolve, she bit her tongue and steeled herself against the scrutiny.

“Ms. Gale is the most capable professional I’ve ever encountered,” Jethro began, his voice steady and warm, cutting through the tension like a knife. “She possesses an exceptional understanding of products, technology, and the market landscape. Her vision and strategic acumen are unparalleled. Under her guidance, I am confident that Stratagem Tech will soon stand shoulder to shoulder with your esteemed companies.”

A palpable silence enveloped the room, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.

The Blackwood heir—known for his aloofness—had never been one to lower himself to mere flattery.

For him to speak so highly of someone like Darcy? It was unprecedented.

Though doubt still flickered in their minds, the atmosphere shifted, and their attitudes toward Darcy began to soften.

A few of the industry heavyweights rose to their feet, glasses raised in a toast to her. “Ms. Gale, we eagerly anticipate collaborating in the future.”

Darcy smiled, her heart swelling with a mix of pride and humility. “You’re too kind. I believe there’s much we can learn from one another.”

As the round of toasts concluded, Darcy settled back into her seat, unable to resist stealing a glance at the man beside her.

Jethro was engrossed in conversation with another guest, his slender fingers delicately cradling a wine glass as he swirled the liquid within. His relaxed demeanor, coupled with a light shake of his head in response to the other person’s compliments, radiated an air of effortless elegance and grace.

Darcy’s heart fluttered unexpectedly.

Perhaps it was just the weight of his praise that made her feel a bit self-conscious.

Zane and Zora arrived fashionably late, stepping out of the elevator and inadvertently passing by the private room where the gathering was taking place.

As Zane’s gaze fell upon Darcy, who was engaged in a toast with the prominent figures of the industry, both he and Zora froze mid-stride, disbelief etched across their faces.

A vein pulsed angrily at Zane’s temple.

Darcy? How is she in that room?

–

That room was one he and Zora had never even considered entering. How had Darcy managed to gain access?

Zora soon noticed another shocking detail.

Darcy hadn’t merely entered; she was seated right next to Jethro.

Zora’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion.

Wasn’t Jethro notoriously distant from women, never bringing female companions to such events?

A heartbeat later, Zane caught the same realization.

He inhaled deeply, trying to process the scene before him.

Jethro fell silent, considering her words.

Rowan, however, jumped in, unintentionally revealing Jethro’s home address.

Jethro shot him a look—mild yet pointed.

Rowan, caught off guard, wondered what he had said that was wrong.

“That’s quite a distance. Mr. Kerr, please take Mr. Blackwood home first. I’ll grab a taxi,” Darcy said, trying to keep the situation light.

Jethro’s thin lips pressed together in thought. “Alright. Just send me a message when you’re home.”

He added, his tone shifting slightly, “It’s not safe for a woman to take a taxi alone at night.”

Darcy nodded, appreciating his concern. “I will.”

As Zane and Zora exited the building, they spotted Darcy waiting by the curb for a taxi, her silhouette illuminated by the streetlights.

Zora felt a wave of relief wash over her.

So, Darcy really did manage to get into the room.

Now, all the significant guests had been whisked away by their drivers, leaving only her standing there, hailing a cab all alone.

How pitiful.

The anger simmering in Zane’s heart began to dissipate.

The fact that Darcy wasn’t leaving with Jethro indicated that they weren’t yet at that stage in their relationship.

He felt an overwhelming urge to rush over to her, to grasp her chin and demand answers about what had transpired that evening.

How did she end up sitting next to Jethro?