Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 70

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

**Chapter 70: She Found a Job?**

Once again, they found themselves in the same room, a familiar setting that now felt charged with unspoken tension. Darcy sat there, her demeanor icy, as if Zane were nothing more than a ghost haunting her presence.

Zane couldn’t help but wonder how long she planned to maintain this stubborn façade. It was a game of wills, and he was growing weary.

Just then, a soft voice broke through his thoughts. “Zane?” It was Zora, her tone gentle and reassuring, cutting through the thick atmosphere like a warm breeze.

“Once the tender process concludes, please have a word with Ms. Gale. Convince her to return to the company soon. I’d even be willing to relinquish the VP position for her. As long as she comes back, nothing else matters,” Zora stated with an air of generosity that made Zane’s heart swell with admiration.

He couldn’t help but reflect on the stark contrast between Zora and Darcy. While Zora radiated kindness and capability, Darcy seemed to be stumbling in comparison.

Yet, Zane realized it was high time to confront Darcy directly. He had grown tired of running around, chasing fleeting opportunities. What was this all for?

However, he had no intention of presenting Zora’s generous offer to Darcy. That would only make it appear as if he were begging her to return, and he refused to put himself in such a position.

Turning to Zora, he replied firmly, “No way. The VP position rightfully belongs to you. How could you even consider giving it up? As for Darcy, I’ll handle it. It’s best if she’s willing to come back. If she’s not, then that’s her choice. We can manage without her.”

Zora opened her mouth to argue further, but at that moment, the staff from Easemark Ventures began to file into the room.

An uneasy silence enveloped them as the newcomers settled in.

It took a good five minutes for everyone to find their seats, and Zora’s eyes darted around the room, searching for Bex.

Where is he? She thought, a hint of worry creeping into her mind.

Quickly, she pulled out her phone and sent him a message, but it felt like her words were swallowed by an abyss, as silence returned her only response.

“Is everything alright?” Zane asked, his gaze flickering to her anxious expression.

Zora flipped her phone over, forcing a smile. “Nothing at all,” she replied, though her eyes betrayed her.

They both returned their focus to the front as the tender opening ceremony commenced.

The host from Easemark began to outline the tender’s background and requirements, followed by the announcement of bid prices from each participating company. The atmosphere began to shift as representatives took turns presenting their bids.

Cade represented Stratagem Tech, while Zora stood confidently as the presenter for SummitCore Tech.

After the presentations wrapped up, the evaluation phase commenced in a small conference room adjacent to the main area, where Easemark’s internal experts and technical staff would assess the bids.

Meanwhile, those waiting in the main room were left to fill the silence with conversation.

The wait stretched on, and many representatives took advantage of the time to network.

Several individuals, privy to insider information, approached Zane and Zora to extend their congratulations.

“Mr. Vance, Dr. Moss, congratulations in advance!” one man beamed.

We have to crush those SummitCore people in the next project! She vowed silently.

While the three of them were preoccupied, Zora made her way over.

“Ms. Gale, what a coincidence! I didn’t expect to see you here,” Zora greeted, her smile brightening her face as she approached Darcy.

Darcy, unsure of Zora’s intentions, maintained her composure and replied coolly, “Hello.”

She added pointedly, “But I’ve resigned from SummitCore. You can just call me by my name.”

Zora pressed her lips together, her expression earnest. “Ms. Gale, I understand that your resignation was impulsive, especially since Zane offered the VP position to me. If you’re willing to come back, I’d be more than happy to give it to you. I’ve noticed you’ve been checking job openings. The market is tough right now. You should consider returning soon.”

At first glance, Zora’s words seemed kind, her demeanor humble. But upon deeper reflection, a distinct, insincere undertone lingered in the air.

She spoke of giving the position back, but Darcy couldn’t help but scoff internally. The VP role had originally been promised to her by Zane, only for Zora to swoop in and claim it for herself. If anyone should be “giving” it, it was Darcy who should be extending that offer to Zora.

And the comment about watching Darcy look for jobs? Talk about a lack of perception!

Darcy met Zora’s gaze with an unwavering coolness, refusing to engage in small talk. “First, I never cared about any VP position, and my resignation wasn’t impulsive. Second, who said I was job-hunting? I’ve already joined another company.”

Zora’s eyes widened slightly, taken aback. She found a job?

“Which company?” Zane interjected, stepping closer, his focus now intensely fixed on Darcy, searching her eyes for the truth.