Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 75

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

**Chapter 75: Who Says We Don’t Have a Team?**

Zora listened to the declarations of loyalty from her colleagues, but they fell flat in her ears. To her, they felt like empty promises, mere words floating in the air without any substance.

From her earliest memories, numerous individuals had attempted to claim the title of her “best friend.” Yet, the truth was, not everyone was deserving of that title.

She scrutinized Kaia, taking in her demeanor and the way she carried herself. Hmm. For now, she seemed useful, but there was a hint of shallowness lurking beneath the surface.

As for Darcy, the line she had drawn was still a bit hazy. She wasn’t ready to cut ties just yet.

“Come on, Kaia,” Zora began, her tone softening slightly. “We’ve already established a friendship. You and Darcy, however, have a history that’s hard to match. It would be foolish to let outsiders dictate the terms of that bond.”

“Dr. Moss, I can—” Kaia started, but Zora interrupted her gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Kaia, I really need your help with something important,” Zora said, her voice earnest.

Kaia’s expression brightened at the prospect of being needed. “Just tell me what you need! I’m ready to do whatever it takes.”

Zora took a deep breath, her heart racing slightly. “Could you help me convince Darcy to come back?”

In the past, she had asked Kaia to do this as a formality, but now, the urgency of the situation made her realize how much she truly wanted Darcy back on the team.

Kaia looked taken aback. “Come back? Even after everything that’s happened, you still want her here?”

Zora flashed a smile, donning her mask of magnanimity once again.

“Darcy’s skills are undeniable. Her leaving was a significant blow to our company. I understand her reasons for leaving, and I’m even willing to relinquish my position as VP if it means she’ll return. If she has any conditions, we can negotiate them.”

Kaia felt a mix of shock and admiration.

Zora was genuinely remarkable, a beacon of generosity that was hard to put into words.

In contrast, the thought of Darcy seemed petty and small-minded, hardly worth a second thought.

But Kaia knew the truth about Darcy—she was soft on the outside, yet fiercely stubborn within, adhering to her own set of principles.

Darcy would never return solely for the perks.

Moreover, Kaia was acutely aware of the real reason behind Darcy’s departure—Zane’s attitude had played a pivotal role.

But Zora remained oblivious.

If someone as kind-hearted as her learned that Zane had left Darcy for her, it would ignite a fury within her that would likely lead to her resignation from the company.

What would that mean for me?

No way! My career was just beginning to take off. I couldn’t let this be derailed!

So, it was clear: Darcy couldn’t come back, and Zora must never uncover the truth about Darcy and Zane’s past.

“Kaia, will you help me?” Zora asked once more, her voice laced with urgency.

“Uh, yeah. I’ll do my best,” Kaia replied, her tone noncommittal.

The Easemark contract was still in the hands of the lawyers, and time was of the essence.

The immediate priority was to assemble a capable team.

Darcy’s authority was somewhat limited, as most of the staff still reported directly to these two team leads.

To her surprise, both Wade and Jax responded in unison, stating they couldn’t spare any personnel.

If they couldn’t utilize internal resources, hiring externally would inflate the budget significantly.

Cindy, having caught wind of the situation, knocked on the door, expecting to find Darcy frazzled and overwhelmed. Instead, she was taken aback by Darcy’s surprising composure.

Cindy flopped onto the sofa, resting her chin in her hand. “Aren’t you worried?”

Darcy raised an eyebrow, her expression curious. “Worried about what?”

“Without a team, the project won’t be delivered on time. That contract you worked so hard for is at risk of losing money.”

Darcy chuckled softly, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. “Who says we don’t have a team? Just relax. By tomorrow, people will be lining up.”

Cindy perked up at Darcy’s confidence. “What’s your plan?”

Darcy didn’t hesitate to share her strategy. “I’ve done my research. There are three ongoing projects nearing completion, all set to wrap up this month. I’ll have Cade spread the word that once these projects conclude, they won’t be renewed. The teams working on them will be disbanded.”

Cindy’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Whoa! That’s ruthless!”

Darcy flashed a sly smile, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with clever satisfaction. “Then I’ll send out a company-wide announcement inviting anyone interested to volunteer for the Easemark project. Those who choose to join will receive double their year-end bonus.”