Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 64

**Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 64: Where Are You Right Now?**

Kaia felt as though time had come to a standstill, her mind racing as she glanced at Zora, searching for guidance.

Zora, radiating confidence, stood tall and beaming, placing the elegantly wrapped gift box back in front of Bex with a flourish. “Bex, what on earth are you talking about? This gift is meant for your parents. Given the bond we share, what’s wrong with me showing them a little respect? It’s completely reasonable, don’t you think?”

The realization dawned on Bex like the morning sun breaking through a cloudy sky. The contents of the box were health supplements, a thoughtful gesture that spoke volumes about Zora’s intentions.

What struck him even more was that her motivation for this gift was rooted not in business, but in the warmth of personal friendship.

As long as Zora kept her reasoning to herself, no one in the company would be the wiser.

With this thought swirling in his mind, Bex decided against protesting further. A smile spread across his face as he accepted the gift, fully aware of the implications that came with it.

“Zora, you don’t have to worry. The promise I made to you is still very much intact,” Bex assured her, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that conveyed sincerity.

Zora raised her glass in a toast, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. “Thank you, Bex. Cheers!”

Kaia observed the exchange with a sense of awe. It was remarkable how, with a few simple words, Zora had effortlessly diffused the tension in the room. She couldn’t help but admire Zora’s poise and charm.

After just one glass of her drink, Zora announced that she had urgent matters to attend to and needed to step outside for a call. Before leaving, she leaned in close to Kaia, her voice low and conspiratorial. “You need to keep Bex company. Make sure to maintain a solid relationship with Mr. Stone. If you do, the contracts for phases two and three will be yours to manage, and all the sales commissions will come your way too.”

Kaia’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect. She nodded enthusiastically, the possibilities dancing in her mind.

If she could secure those contracts, the sales commissions would provide a significant financial boost.

Despite being the eldest daughter of the Lark family, her life lacked the glamour she had always envisioned.

The Lark household merely offered her a roof over her head and meals; there were no allowances or luxuries.

Whenever she approached her father for money, he would simply remind her that she was an adult now and needed to learn independence. It felt like blatant favoritism to her!

Chloe, her younger sister, received a lavish six-figure monthly allowance without batting an eye!

Kaia’s previous salary had been modest, and she never developed a habit of saving. Recently, she even had to take out a loan just to buy a birthday gift for Zora’s mother.

The thought of future sales commissions filled her with hope, envisioning a life where she could indulge in luxury brands like Chloe did.

Zora was gone for what felt like an eternity—half an hour—when she finally returned. Kaia was slumped over the table, her head resting on her arms, clearly inebriated.

Bex, on the other hand, displayed only a slight flush on his cheeks, maintaining a composed demeanor.

“Sorry about that,” Zora said, offering Bex an apologetic smile. “Work’s been a bit overwhelming.”

Bex waved his hand dismissively. “No worries at all. The capable ones are always juggling a million things. It’s only natural.”

Under the soft, ambient light of the room, Bex found himself captivated by Zora’s delicate features, a flutter of emotions stirring in his heart.

He swallowed hard, shifting his chair closer to hers, the space between them suddenly feeling electric.

He hadn’t forgotten the reason for his visit that night. His earlier hesitations had stemmed from the presence of Kaia at the table, but now that she was in a deep slumber, he felt emboldened by the alcohol coursing through his veins.

Summoning his courage, he reached out to take Zora’s soft, delicate hand in his own.

“Okay, thanks, Dr. Moss,” Kaia said, relief flooding through her.

Just as she was about to hang up, Zora asked, “Where are you… right now?”

Kaia blinked, a hint of confusion crossing her face. “I’m at home. Mr. Stone brought me back last night, and I still need to thank him.”

Zora’s expression tightened, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I see. That’s good to know. Make sure you rest.”

With that, Zora hung up, her eyes dimming as she thought to herself, Idiot. I gave you a chance, and you wasted it.

A few minutes later, Zora’s phone buzzed with a new message.

“Zora, are you free this weekend? There’s an art exhibition I think you’d enjoy. I have two tickets.” The message was from Bex.

With the Easemark tender only two working days away, Zora felt a surge of caution. She didn’t want any distractions; this was her first project at SummitCore, and she needed to secure it.

After a moment of contemplation, she decided to accept his invitation.

The exchange of polite messages continued until she finally deleted the chat history, a mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling within her.

Meanwhile, Kaia woke up late, her stomach growling with hunger. As she descended the stairs, she discovered that no breakfast had been prepared for her.

Chloe was there, ready to mock her once again. “Look who finally decided to join us! Out with some man last night, were you?” she taunted.

Furious, Kaia stormed out of the house, her mind racing as she headed towards the Gale household, determined to shake off the morning’s humiliation.