Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 69

**Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**

**Chapter 69: The Tender Begins**

The moment had arrived.

Darcy felt a twinge of gratitude as she reflected on how Hugo had come to her aid not once, but twice. It struck her that she ought to express her appreciation in a proper manner, not just a fleeting acknowledgment.

With a determined flick of her thumb, she opened her phone and navigated to Hugo’s WhatsApp. After a brief pause to gather her thoughts, she typed out a message: “Thank you for today. When you’re free, dinner’s on me.”

The seconds dragged on like hours, but soon enough, her phone chimed with a response. “No worries. Friday night works for me. I also have some work stuff I want to ask you about.”

A smile crept across her face as she replied, “Cool. Let’s pencil in Friday at 7. What do you like to eat? I’ll book a place.”

“I’m easy. Your call. I’m not picky,” he responded, his laid-back attitude evident even through the screen.

“Great! I’ll send you the address once I book it,” she replied, feeling a sense of excitement bubbling within her.

Meanwhile, Hugo leaned back on his sofa, absently toying with a small teddy bear keychain that dangled from his bag. He stared at it for a moment, lost in thought, before finally placing it carefully inside his bag, as if it were a cherished memory he wanted to keep close.

Just then, his phone lit up again, illuminating the dim room. He picked it up, only to find a message in their trio group chat.

Ines had sent a lively message: “Drinks tonight. Found a new place. The girls here are seriously hot!”

Ines was the quintessential social butterfly among them, a master of good times, always mingling with celebrities and influencers. If she claimed the girls were attractive, there was no doubt they were.

But to his disappointment, no one responded.

In a moment of mischief, he tagged both Zane and Darcy individually, sharing a few photos of women in striking outfits that left little to the imagination.

Hugo typed back, “No time. Enjoy yourself.”

Moments later, Zane chimed in, “Working late.”

Ines, ever the provocateur, sent a winking emoji. “Working late with Dr. Moss?”

Zane replied with a simple, “Yeah.”

Ines pressed further, “So, are you two officially together now?”

Hugo recalled the scene from Zora’s mother’s birthday party, where Zane and Zora had been toasting everyone with carefree smiles. Zane hadn’t hesitated then, and his agreement had seemed implicit.

Yet, after a lengthy silence, the group chat fell quiet again.

Hugo’s expression darkened slightly as he turned off his phone, tossing it aside in frustration.

—

**11:31 AM, Wednesday, December 17, MRO.**

The Easemark tender had officially commenced. Unfortunately, Jethro was unable to attend due to an unforeseen commitment, leaving Darcy to navigate the event without him.

A wave of relief washed over her.

Initially, she had intended to keep a low profile, planning to bring only Cade along. But Cindy, with her insatiable curiosity, insisted on joining the outing.

Darcy tried to convey her reservations subtly, saying, “We’re basically just going through the motions. We might be back before noon.”

Following their encounter at the forum, Zane had used the banquet as a chance to privately remind several people that Darcy was merely throwing a tantrum and would eventually return to SummitCore.

No matter how talented she was, who would want to hire an employee who might jump ship back to her former company at any moment?

Still, he couldn’t help but admire her tenacity. How had she managed to gain entry today?

Kaia, meanwhile, noticed Darcy as well, but her attention quickly shifted to the woman seated beside her.

If memory served her right, that was Cindy, the heiress of the Blackwood Group!

What was Darcy doing sitting with someone of such high status?

She recalled the scene at Zora’s mother’s birthday party, where Cindy had been the center of attention, flattered by the Aethelburg socialites like a prized peacock.

Why would someone of Cindy’s caliber choose to lower herself to this event?

Kaia was perplexed, but this was her first time attending such a formal gathering. With Zane and Zora leading the way, she didn’t dare make a scene.

Suppressing her confusion, she followed them, taking a seat in the row right behind Darcy.

Zane found himself seated directly behind Darcy. As he looked up, he couldn’t help but admire the smooth, pale skin of her neck, the gentle curve of her head.

His throat tightened, restlessness clawing at his insides.

—

Everything Taken, I Left to Become CEO.