Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 87

**Chapter 87: The Gala Gown**

“Oh no, absolutely not!” Cindy declared emphatically, crossing her arms defiantly in front of her chest. Her expression was one of utter disbelief. “This isn’t about whether you look pretty or not. It’s a business banquet, and you absolutely need a cocktail dress.”

Darcy’s brow furrowed at the mention of a cocktail dress. The truth was, she had never worn one before in her life. The thought of it made her feel a mix of anxiety and excitement.

“Come on, after work, let’s hit the shops together. As a thank you, you can just treat me to dinner,” Cindy added, her voice dripping with enthusiasm.

Darcy couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, feeling a blend of amusement and resignation.

And just like that, Cindy had successfully secured herself a free meal, with Darcy as her unwitting accomplice.

They arrived at a luxurious high-end boutique, the kind of place that radiated wealth and sophistication. The elegant decor and plush furnishings made Darcy feel slightly out of place, as if she had stepped into a world that was not her own.

The store manager, recognizing Cindy as a VIP, ushered them into a private consultation room with a warm smile. “Ms. Blackwood, what kind of dress are you envisioning for tonight? Our latest collection is all at your disposal. Once you’ve made your selection, I’ll fetch it for you.”

Cindy waved her hand dismissively. “Not for me. It’s for my friend here,” she said, gesturing toward Darcy with a flourish.

The manager’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of another potential big spender. She didn’t know Darcy, but she could sense a lucrative opportunity.

As Darcy flipped through the glossy pages of the catalog, she leaned in closer to Cindy, her voice barely above a whisper. “These prices are outrageous! We should really look somewhere else.”

Cindy shot her a reassuring glance, her expression one of calm confidence. “Just pick whatever catches your eye. We’ll put it on my brother’s tab. No big deal.”

Darcy’s heart raced at the thought. Is that… really okay?

“You’re going with him to the dinner, right? It’s only natural that he pays for your dress,” Cindy insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Under Cindy’s persuasive charm, Darcy reluctantly picked out a few modest dresses that were still within a reasonable price range.

As they waited for the manager to bring the selections, snippets of conversation floated in from outside.

“Mr. Vance, Dr. Moss, please take a seat. Your garments are ready; we’ll package them right away.”

Darcy paused, her expression remaining carefully neutral, but inside, she felt a twinge of discomfort.

Cindy, however, rolled her eyes dramatically. “Ugh! Those two are everywhere. I swear, I can’t escape them.”

Darcy offered a faint smile and shook her head. “Don’t let irrelevant people ruin your mood. It’s not worth the energy.”

Yet Cindy’s curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned in closer, straining to hear more.

A staff member’s voice broke through the chatter. “Mr. Vance, would you like an invoice?”

Zane’s response was a low hum. “Yes, please.”

Cindy’s eyes widened in disbelief. “No way! He’s expensing clothes? Seriously? What a tightwad!” she exclaimed, her eyes rolling so hard that Darcy wondered if they might get stuck. She’d never encountered such a miserly man in their social circles!

Shortly thereafter, the manager returned, carrying the dresses with an air of professionalism.

Cindy, ever the curious one, casually inquired, “How much did those two just spend?”

The manager smiled politely, “Over 800 thousand dollars. The gentleman’s suit wasn’t the expensive part; it was the lady’s gown. It’s our most exclusive piece, valued at 680 thousand dollars.”

Darcy’s face paled slightly at the staggering figure.

People surged forward, eager to shake his hand and engage in conversation.

The scene felt all too familiar, reminiscent of the chaotic atmosphere at the forum sharing session.

Darcy sighed inwardly, bracing herself to be elbowed aside once again. But just as she prepared for the onslaught, a long arm snaked around her waist.

“Careful,” a deep voice murmured near her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

It was only then that the crowd took proper notice of Darcy.

Who is this?

Everyone in these circles knew that Jethro kept a respectful distance from women. He had never been seen at an event with a female assistant before.

But tonight, he had brought a woman with him. Could it be…

Speculations churned behind polite smiles, but no one dared to voice their thoughts aloud.

The men standing around exchanged knowing glances, their eyes filled with unspoken implications.

A wave of humiliation washed over Darcy. Why was it that a woman at an event was always viewed as a mere accessory to a man?

She gently pushed Jethro’s hand away, her voice steady. “Thank you, Mr. Blackwood. I’m perfectly fine on my own.”

Jethro withdrew his hand and took a deliberate step back, creating a clear distance between them.

Simultaneously, he addressed the gathering crowd with confidence. “Allow me to introduce Ms. Darcy Gale, the new CEO of Stratagem Tech, a subsidiary of the Blackwood Group. Please extend your support in any future business dealings.”