Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 72

**Chapter 72: Should She Also Go In for a Hug?**

Down in the bustling lobby, Cindy’s fingers snapped together with a spark of excitement. “I’m feeling fantastic today! You know what that means? I’m treating you all to a feast!” Her eyes twinkled with enthusiasm, and her smile was infectious.

Cade’s eyes widened in delight, and he practically bounced on his heels. “Heck yeah! A feast sounds amazing!” His voice was filled with uncontainable excitement.

Darcy chuckled softly, watching her friends. Cindy was just too adorable when she got like this. The three of them stepped out of the building, their laughter echoing in the cool air, but then they halted in unison.

“Jethro! What are you doing here?” Cindy exclaimed, her surprise evident as she spotted him not far away.

There stood Jethro, hands casually tucked into the pockets of his impeccably tailored black suit, a look of restrained composure etched on his face.

Darcy couldn’t help but feel a twinge of confusion. Hadn’t he just mentioned he wouldn’t be coming today?

Jethro’s lips curved into a slight smile, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he assessed the trio. “Bids just closed, and you three look this happy. Kinda gives me the wrong idea.” His tone was teasing, but there was an undertone of curiosity.

“Wrong idea?” Cindy laughed, spreading her arms wide as she stepped forward to embrace her brother. “Nope, not at all! We won the bid!” Her voice was filled with triumph, and it radiated from her like sunshine.

Jethro paused, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise as he glanced over Cindy’s shoulder, clearly taken aback. “For real?”

“Absolutely real, Mr. Blackwood—we actually won!” Cade exclaimed, practically bouncing with glee.

Just then, Cindy pulled back from her hug with her brother, and in a burst of excitement, Cade instinctively wrapped his arms around Jethro.

“Mr. Blackwood, this is the first project we won without relying on you! I can hardly contain my excitement!” Cade’s enthusiasm was palpable.

Jethro stood there, momentarily stunned. This was a new experience for him—hugging a male colleague was not something he had anticipated today.

He gently patted Cade’s shoulder. “Good work,” he said, his voice steady.

With two of the three team members already having embraced their boss, Darcy found herself standing there, contemplating her next move. Should she also go in for a hug? It seemed like a customary gesture in this moment of celebration.

After a brief internal debate, Darcy opened her arms and stepped forward. “Mr. Blackwood, mission accomplished!” she declared, her voice buoyant with pride.

Jethro’s eyes widened in surprise, and he stiffened slightly at the unexpected advance. It took him a moment to gather his thoughts before he slowly lifted his arms, allowing for a tentative, light hug that felt more awkward than celebratory.

“You’ve worked hard these past weeks,” he murmured, his voice low and slightly husky. If anyone had been paying close attention, they might have caught the faint tremor in his tone.

In that moment, he felt a rush of warmth creeping up his ears, a telltale sign of his embarrassment.

“It was nothing. All part of the job,” Darcy replied, lowering her arms and stepping back with a polite smile, though she could feel the weight of the moment lingering in the air.

Jethro swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing visibly as he tried to maintain his composure. His ears were burning, a deep crimson hue spreading across them.

“Mm. Let’s go. My treat,” he said, attempting to play it cool as he rubbed his earlobe, trying to dispel the heat.

The four of them turned and made their way to the car, the air buzzing with excitement.

Meanwhile, on the first floor, Zane, Zora, and Kaia stood in the lobby, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief.

Zane’s hands hung limply at his sides, clenched into tight fists at the sight of Darcy embracing Jethro.

Kaia’s mouth fell open in shock. “Darcy and Jethro? How is that even possible?” she thought, grappling with the implications of what she had just witnessed.

A sharp glint sparked in Zane’s eyes as he absorbed her words. “If we present her with the agreement, she’ll have no choice but to come back,” he said, his tone laced with determination.

He said “present,” but what he truly meant was “threaten.” He was careful with his words, but the intent was clear.

“You’re brilliant,” Zane declared, loosening his tie with a long, relieved sigh. A smile creased his lips, a flicker of hope igniting within him.

Later that evening, after a lively dinner with her colleagues, Darcy returned home. As she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of Kaia sitting on the sofa, her expression unreadable.

Darcy maintained a neutral demeanor as she stepped inside, slipping into her house slippers at the entryway.

“Mom, I’m back. Have you had dinner yet?” she asked, her voice steady.

With the housekeeper off for the evening, her mother was alone, and Darcy felt a pang of concern for her well-being.

Ione approached, helping her hang up her coat. “Yes, I have. Why are you back so late? Working overtime again?”

“No, just had dinner with coworkers,” Darcy replied, heading toward the bathroom. “I’m going to wash up.”

Throughout the entire exchange, she didn’t utter a single word to Kaia, not even glancing in her direction, mirroring their earlier encounter outside.

A sharp discomfort pricked Kaia’s heart as she watched her sister retreat.

After Darcy emerged from the bathroom, Ione entered with a plate of freshly cut fruit. “Darcy, Kaia, come have some fruit,” she called out, trying to bridge the growing silence.

The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings, leaving both sisters to grapple with the distance that had formed between them.