Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 65

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 65**
**Chapter 65: Take You to My Uncle’s Place**

It seemed like fate had conspired against her; recently, she found herself a bit short on cash and was contemplating borrowing some from Ione.

Darcy was oblivious to Kaia’s visit until she returned home from a long day at work. After washing her hands, she settled down at the dining table, rolling up her sleeves as if preparing for a battle. “What did she come for?” she asked, her tone betraying a hint of curiosity mixed with apprehension.

Ione, however, was blissfully unaware of the chilly undertone in her daughter’s voice when Kaia’s name slipped into the conversation.

“She had the day off and came to see me,” Ione replied cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with the joy of a mother who cherished her daughter’s friends.

“Mm.” Darcy picked up her fork, the clink of metal against porcelain breaking the silence, as she began to eat, deliberately avoiding any further questions.

The memory of Kaia’s attitude from the previous night lingered in Darcy’s mind like a bitter aftertaste. It was evident that their relationship had shifted irreparably; the warmth they once shared had turned into something distant, almost foreign.

But for Ione, things were different. She held Kaia close to her heart, viewing her as a second daughter. If Kaia had no ill intentions and continued to show affection toward Ione, then perhaps there was no need for Darcy to burden her mother with the weight of their fractured friendship.

Ione had considered mentioning that Kaia had borrowed a small sum of money earlier that day, but the gloominess radiating from her daughter made her hesitate.

Suddenly, a thought struck her. Kaia had shared some troubling news. She had told Ione that Darcy had quit her job at SummitCore, was struggling to find new employment, and had even resorted to sneaking into forums to network. To top it off, Kaia had seen her splurging on luxury items the night before—items that could only have been purchased with questionable money.

With a sense of urgency, Ione set down her fork and knife, darting to her bedroom to retrieve her wallet. She returned to the table, her heart racing with concern.

“Here, take this,” Ione said, sliding a bank card across the table toward Darcy, her voice firm yet gentle.

Darcy’s eyes widened in surprise. “Mom, why are you giving me your card?” she asked, disbelief coloring her tone.

“I know you’re on the hunt for a job and could use some cash. Just take it,” Ione insisted, her expression softening.

In that moment, Darcy understood the connection. Kaia had undoubtedly shared their earlier encounter with her mother.

She shook her head, pushing the card back toward Ione. “I already found a job. The salary and benefits are double what I had before. I don’t need the money. This is your hard-earned retirement savings. Please, keep it.”

Ione’s eyebrows shot up in astonishment. “You found a job already? That was fast!”

“Yeah. Your daughter is capable and talented. Plenty of people want me,” Darcy replied with a hint of pride, her confidence shining through.

Ione smiled, her heart swelling with pride as she reached out to pat her daughter’s head affectionately. “My girl is amazing!”

Yet, as she reveled in her daughter’s accomplishments, her thoughts drifted to Darcy’s complicated relationship with Zane. A sigh escaped her lips, heavy with concern.

She decided to test the waters cautiously. “So, you and Zane are really done? I think he’s a decent kid. Didn’t he come looking for you the other night?”

Darcy’s hand froze mid-motion, her fork hovering above her plate.

She hadn’t realized her mother had witnessed Zane’s visit that night.

Ione continued, “I think he does love you; he’s just not good at expressing it. Have you thought about giving it another chance?”

“No.” Darcy set her fork down firmly, wiping her mouth with a napkin as she met her mother’s gaze head-on. “Mom, please don’t bring him up again. I’m done wasting time on him. Whether he loves me or not is irrelevant now.”

Even Darcy found herself slowing her pace, momentarily captivated.

Her boss was genuinely handsome, a top-tier look complemented by a gentle, approachable demeanor. Especially now, as he turned to look at her, his gaze was warm and inviting.

“Jethro,” she greeted him, stepping closer, remembering his preference for a more informal approach.

“Mm. Get in,” he replied, opening the passenger door with a practiced ease, his hand resting protectively on the roof as she climbed inside.

The car roared to life, and within two minutes, they turned onto a quiet, old lane, finally coming to a stop.

As Darcy stepped out, a sudden thought hit her.

“I forgot to buy something,” she admitted, a flush of embarrassment creeping up her cheeks.

Jethro’s smile was faint but warm. “Buy what?”

“Gifts. You can’t visit someone empty-handed. Is there a supermarket or convenience store nearby?” she explained, feeling slightly flustered.

“Not necessary,” he chuckled, opening the trunk with a flourish. “I brought a lot. Just pick two items. They’ll count as yours.”

Uh… Is this okay?

Darcy hesitated, unsure of how to respond, but the warmth of his gesture made her heart swell with appreciation.