Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 78

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 78**

**Chapter 78: The Pledge of Allegiance**

Darcy’s well-being was the last thing on Jason’s mind; he was utterly absorbed in his own concerns. The thought of whether Darcy might be hurt, emotionally or otherwise, barely grazed his consciousness.

His self-absorption was a fortress, impenetrable and all-consuming. Darcy had never crossed his mind as someone worthy of consideration.

In the midst of this emotional neglect, Darcy made a decisive move—she deleted the screenshot that had captured the moment, a digital act of severance.

It was a gesture that spoke volumes; she felt no pang of regret. After engaging in a light-hearted conversation with Cindy, she redirected her focus back to her studies, immersing herself in the world of numbers and theories, the chaos of her thoughts settling like dust after a storm.

The whispers and rumors that Cade had scattered like seeds in the wind began to take root, growing into something tangible and affecting.

As she was absorbed in replying to a flurry of emails, a gentle knock interrupted her concentration.

“Ms. Gale, do you have a moment?” Wade entered, his demeanor radiating warmth and a hint of eagerness.

Darcy feigned ignorance of his intentions, quickly rising to greet him. “Of course, Wade. What brings you here?” she asked, her tone light but her mind racing with curiosity.

“Ms. Gale, securing a project as significant as Easemark within just a month… that’s an astonishing feat. My team and I are genuinely impressed! We’ve heard whispers about your prowess in business negotiations, product development, and your coding skills. It’s a privilege to work under someone as talented as you,” he said, his voice filled with admiration.

The compliments flowed generously, especially coming from an engineer like Wade, who was known for his straightforwardness.

Yet, Darcy sensed the underlying current; these words were merely a formality. Wade was not here to sing her praises for the sake of flattery.

Pouring a cup of coffee, she maintained her composure. “Thank you, Mr. Mason. But I suspect there’s more on your mind than just compliments?”

Wade rubbed his hands together, a sign of his discomfort. “About that request for personnel last time… I’ve given it more thought. I realize now I was mistaken,” he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

“Oh?” Darcy raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips as she gestured for him to take a seat, encouraging him to share more. “I’m all ears.”

“Here’s the situation. I recently reviewed the project schedules. Three of our older projects are nearing completion, and they should wrap up by the end of the month. We’ll have extra personnel available then. I’ve compiled a specific list for you,” he explained, handing over a neatly organized document.

Darcy quickly scanned the list. It indeed contained the names of the team members from those three projects.

With a calm demeanor, she set the list down on her desk. “Do you believe they would be open to transitioning to the Easemark project? It’s crucial that they join willingly; coercion wouldn’t be beneficial for anyone involved.”

“They’re eager! Completely on board!” Wade insisted, his enthusiasm palpable. “They all understand that we’re working for the company’s success—why wouldn’t they want to contribute?”

A small, satisfied smile graced Darcy’s lips, a flicker of relief washing over her.

Wade was astute enough to know when to push forward and when to pull back.

His willingness to swallow his pride for the sake of his team was commendable, revealing a character that could be trusted.

After assessing him, Darcy nodded in agreement. “Alright then. Please ensure they familiarize themselves with the new project in the next few days. They can officially join us once the old projects are completed.”

With a respectful bow, Wade exited the room, closing the door softly behind him.

Darcy settled back into her chair, the weight of one decision lifted. Now, she awaited the arrival of Jax. One down, one to go.

Yet, Jax was a no-show.

He had boasted to his team about waiting for Darcy to stumble, yet now he found himself the one caught off guard.

Frustration bubbled beneath the surface.

It was maddening!

And to add insult to injury, she had the audacity to ask him for personnel.

Why would he ever agree to that? Why should he? He had outright refused.

But the previous day, Cade had privately informed them that the three old projects were not being renewed, which meant there would be a surplus of R&D staff. If they were willing, they could transition to the Easemark project.

Jax fell silent, contemplating the implications before reassuring his team. “Cade is probably just bluffing. Don’t worry. Darcy wouldn’t dare fire us without due cause.”

A scoff echoed from one of the team members, their internal thoughts clear.

“Easy for you to say. You won’t be cut. It’s the rest of us who’ll be left in the lurch.”

Leo, emboldened by the conversation, frowned and challenged, “Why wouldn’t she dare? Didn’t you say she’s Mr. Blackwood’s woman? With that kind of protection, there’s nothing she wouldn’t dare to do.”

Jax was momentarily at a loss for words.

He hadn’t anticipated that his own casual remark would come back to haunt him.

Clearing his throat, he tried to regain control of the conversation. “I said she wouldn’t dare. That’s final. Now, let’s eat. We need to finish up and get back to work.”