Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 82

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 82**
**Chapter 82 Another Secret**

Hugo affectionately patted Gwen’s head, a gesture that felt both familiar and comforting. “You know, I can make arrangements for you to meet your idol at the concert,” he offered, his tone light but sincere.

Gwen’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she responded without hesitation, “Okay! No problem! Consider it done!” Her enthusiasm was palpable, a rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins at the mere thought of being in the same space as her idol.

As the two of them shared this moment, Darcy and Bram stepped out of Alistair’s office, the door clicking shut behind them. They had just wrapped up a discussion about the direction of their research, a topic that had sparked a lively exchange of ideas and insights.

Bram’s face lit up with realization as he reflected on the conversation. “I really wish you could be my junior right now,” he said, his eagerness spilling over. There was a spark of camaraderie in his voice that made Darcy smile.

“I wish that too,” Darcy replied, her expression softening. “But I haven’t even tackled the written exam yet. And then there’s the interview to think about.” The weight of her upcoming challenges hung in the air between them.

“I believe in you. You’ve got this,” Bram said, his gaze steady and unwavering. He looked at her as if she were already a success, and that belief filled Darcy with a warm sense of reassurance.

“You really have that much faith in me?” she asked, her heart fluttering at his words.

“Absolutely,” he affirmed, a hint of admiration in his tone. “I’ve never doubted your abilities.” The strength of his support wrapped around her like a comforting blanket.

As they stood at the crossroads, the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long, golden shadows that danced on the pavement. Darcy glanced at her watch, feeling the pull of home. “Bram, I’m heading home now. See you later,” she said, her voice tinged with finality.

“Hey, Darcy! Want to stay for dinner? My treat! A new restaurant just opened in the cafeteria, and everyone says it’s fantastic,” Bram suggested, scratching his head in a gesture of uncertainty.

“Next time, my treat. I have guests coming over tonight,” Darcy replied, her tone resolute as she turned to walk away, not bothering to look back.

Bram stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure, a sense of disappointment settling over him like a heavy cloud before he finally turned to leave.

“You like that guy,” Hugo’s voice broke the silence from the driver’s seat, a statement rather than a question.

Gwen’s lips, which had tightened at the sight of Bram’s forlorn expression, twitched in surprise. Her long lashes fluttered as she pouted, “None of your business!” The defensiveness in her voice was unmistakable.

Hugo chuckled as he started the car. “Fine. If you don’t want my help, I won’t push it. I was going to offer, but I guess you don’t want it after all.” There was a teasing lilt in his tone.

Gwen’s eyes brightened at his words. “Oh, my dearest cousin! What’s yours is mine, right? Of course, you should help me!” A playful smile spread across her face, her earlier irritation dissipating.

A faint smile played on Hugo’s lips. “Usually, your mouth spits venom. Today, it’s dripping honey.” He couldn’t help but appreciate her sudden shift in demeanor.

“So, how are you going to help me win over Bram?” Gwen leaned forward, her curiosity piqued.

As the car rolled down the street, Gwen felt a surge of impatience. She was practically wishing her cousin would tie Bram up and deliver him to her right then and there.

“Act a bit more reserved. You’re a lady,” Hugo advised, a playful smirk on his face.

“Hmph, that’s so old-fashioned. What era is this? Girl power is in now!” Gwen shot back, her defiance evident.

Hugo shook his head, bemused. Where did she even pick up these phrases?

“Anyway, don’t worry. I’ll help,” he assured her, trying to keep the mood light.

Darcy glanced towards the living room, where Kaia was giggling at something on the screen. She pressed her lips together, torn between joining her sister and helping her mother.

Leaning against the counter, she asked, “Are you really going to let Kaia move back in?”

Kaia had been involved in a minor accident just a few days prior. After a brief stay in the hospital, she had returned home that very morning.

Darcy had assumed that Kaia would go back to the Lark household to recuperate. But she had called Ione, expressing her reluctance to return, especially since the Larks hadn’t even visited her in the hospital. She wanted to stay with them instead.

Ione had been eager for Kaia to move back in, and hearing her suggest it had brightened Kaia’s spirits.

So that morning, Ione had taken a taxi to the hospital, bringing Kaia back home, where she could heal in a more welcoming environment.

“What’s wrong? Did you and Kaia have a fight?” Ione paused, her hands still kneading the dough as she looked at her daughter, sensing a shift in their relationship.

Darcy lowered her gaze, feeling a twinge of guilt. “No, I was just asking. You just recovered from your own illness. The housekeeper who looked after you is gone now. You have to take care of someone else. I’m worried it’ll wear you out.”

So that was her concern. Ione waved her hand dismissively. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me,” she reassured her daughter.

Taking a deep breath, Ione continued, “Kaia was never truly welcomed in the Lark household. Now that she’s hurt, who knows how they’ll treat her? Let her stay here and recover first. She can return when she’s better.”

Darcy nodded, understanding her mother’s point but still feeling a lingering worry about the added responsibility.