Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 66

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 66**

**Chapter 66 No Dating While She Studies**

As if he had plucked the thoughts directly from her mind, Jethro remarked with a hint of amusement, “You know, my uncle’s household is quite well-off. Just think about it for a second. He’s my uncle, and I have wealth to spare. How could he possibly lack for anything?”

Darcy considered his words, nodding slowly. It made perfect sense.

With a determined stride, Darcy stepped forward and picked up two neatly wrapped gift boxes that Jethro had brought. “Thank you,” she said, her voice warm with gratitude.

Jethro arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “My pleasure,” he replied, the charm in his tone evident.

They made their way to Alistair’s residence, which was situated in an aging faculty apartment building that the university had designated long ago. The absence of an elevator meant they had to ascend four flights of narrow, creaking stairs, each step echoing in the stillness.

Finally, Jethro rapped his knuckles against the door. A minute passed, and then the door swung open, revealing a middle-aged woman with an elegant demeanor. Darcy’s instincts told her this must be Alistair’s wife.

Yet, as she observed the kind, gentle face before her, Darcy found it difficult to reconcile the image with the term “henpecked” that she had heard whispered in the corridors of the university.

Seren’s face lit up with joy. “Jethro! Come in! You’re always so polite, bringing such lovely things every time you visit!”

“My grandparents asked me to deliver these,” Jethro replied, slipping into a pair of cozy slippers, his smile widening.

Seren chuckled lightly, “Oh, don’t you try to sweet-talk me. Your grandparents would never send you to deliver anything.”

Darcy could see the history in Seren’s eyes; she was well aware of her nephew’s attempts to bridge the gap between them and his grandparents.

Just as Seren turned to usher them inside, she caught sight of a pretty girl standing behind Jethro.

Her eyes widened in delightful surprise. “Oh my! Jethro has a girlfriend! I was wondering why you suddenly wanted to visit this morning. You’re bringing her to meet us!”

Heat flooded Darcy’s cheeks, a rosy blush creeping up as she felt the weight of Seren’s gaze.

Even Jethro, who usually maintained a composed facade, appeared slightly flustered, his ears tinged with a faint red hue.

At that moment, Alistair emerged from the study, clearing his throat softly, the sound slicing through the air.

“Don’t talk nonsense. She’s not Jethro’s girlfriend. She’s his subordinate,” he stated matter-of-factly, before adding in a quieter tone, “She’s also going to be my student next year. Her name is Darcy Gale.”

Seren blinked in surprise. Did I misjudge the situation?

But looking at the two, they seemed so well-matched!

Upon further reflection, oh, this girl was indeed the one from her husband’s birthday party last time. She had been seated in the car, and Seren hadn’t caught a glimpse of her full face, only a fleeting profile. That explained her earlier confusion.

“Oh dear, my sincerest apologies, Ms. Gale. I was being hasty. My husband only mentioned Jethro and a friend were coming this morning, and I misunderstood. Please, have a seat. What would you like to drink? Let me fetch it for you,” Seren offered, her voice warm and inviting.

Darcy felt a pang of discomfort at the thought of letting her potential future mentor’s wife serve her. “No trouble at all. Water is perfectly fine,” she quickly insisted.

However, Jethro lounged comfortably on the sofa, crossing his long legs with an air of ease. “She’ll have coffee. A regular latte. Same for me,” he declared, as if that were the most natural request in the world.

Alistair slammed his palm on the table, the sound reverberating through the room.

Seren emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “What’s going on with you two?” she queried, her brow furrowed in concern.

“Ahem, nothing. A book fell,” Alistair coughed, attempting to cover up the tension.

Once his wife turned her back, Alistair shot a fierce glare at Jethro, who was sprawled comfortably on the sofa. “Don’t you even think about it with my student! Five years ago, she gave up her studies because of a man. Now she’s finally determined to take the exam again. If you ruin this for me, I won’t let you off easy!”

A faint smile tugged at Jethro’s lips, the challenge sparking in his eyes. “So, you’re saying your student can’t date? That’s quite unfair.”

Alistair cast a glance towards the kitchen, where Darcy was busy preparing herself for whatever was next, exasperation etched across his face. “That girl… to put it nicely, she values relationships deeply. To put it bluntly, she’s a bit of a romantic. So, no dating while she studies.”

He turned his glare back to his nephew. “Are you seriously—”

“No,” Jethro interrupted, sitting up straight, his demeanor shifting to one of sincerity. “I was just joking.”

“You brat!” Alistair scolded, though a hint of relief washed over him.

Then, as memories of the car accident that had shaken Jethro five years prior flickered in his mind, Alistair felt a pang of understanding. It must have left scars deeper than anyone realized.

He knew Jethro likely wouldn’t entertain thoughts of romance or marriage for a long while.

Alistair had always prided himself on having an open mind. Unlike some of the more traditional members of the Blackwood family, who pressed the issue of marriage relentlessly, he believed that marrying late—or even choosing not to marry at all—was perfectly acceptable.