Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 88

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

**Chapter 88: A Dance in the Spotlight**

A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd.

The CEO of Stratagem Tech had just arrived, and the first thought that struck everyone was how remarkably young she appeared.

In the world of business, Jethro had a reputation for only introducing those who were exceptionally talented and capable.

As the guests exchanged glances, a sense of regret washed over them for their earlier assumptions about her capabilities based solely on her age.

“My sincerest apologies, Ms. Gale. It seems there was a misunderstanding on my part. I truly look forward to collaborating with you,” one of the attendees said, his voice laced with a hint of embarrassment.

“Young, beautiful, and undeniably talented—a CEO who possesses both beauty and intellect. Let’s raise our glasses to you!” another chimed in, the flattery flowing like a well-practiced performance.

Darcy accepted the compliments with grace, her demeanor calm and composed.

She deftly maneuvered through the sea of social niceties, seizing the moment to showcase Stratagem’s innovative products, her voice smooth and persuasive.

Such was the nature of these business galas—a dance of insincerities where everyone played their part.

Meanwhile, Zane and Zora had just exited their car, and the lively atmosphere of the event unfolded before their eyes.

Zane’s jaw clenched tightly, his hand forming a fist within the confines of his pocket.

He hadn’t anticipated Jethro would bring Darcy to a business dinner.

What was the nature of their relationship? Surely it was just that of a boss and an employee, or was there more beneath the surface?

Zora, noticing the tension radiating from Zane, cast a quick glance at the distant group before redirecting her focus to him. “Zane, shall we go in?” she asked, her voice bright and encouraging despite the heaviness in the air.

Her gown tonight was a sight to behold, arguably the most breathtaking in the room. The crystals adorning it sparkled brilliantly, catching the light and dazzling the eyes of onlookers. With her striking features and graceful figure, she effortlessly became the center of attention.

Though many guests were unfamiliar with her, the presence of Zane beside her quickly led them to deduce her identity.

One gentleman stepped forward, extending his hand with a warm smile. “Dr. Moss, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Zora returned his smile with sweetness, “The pleasure is entirely mine.”

As if drawn by an invisible force, more guests soon gravitated toward her, eager to introduce themselves.

Everyone was well aware of Zora’s impressive credentials; she held a PhD from a prestigious foreign university, and numerous companies had sought her talents before her return. Her choice to join SummitCore Tech spoke volumes about her ambition and vision.

The glances directed at Zane shifted, infused with newfound respect.

“Mr. Vance, you certainly have a knack for attracting top-tier talent like Dr. Moss to your team,” one guest remarked, his tone laced with admiration.

Zane’s chest swelled with pride, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face. “You’re too kind,” he replied modestly, turning slightly to catch Zora’s eye. They exchanged a knowing smile, a silent acknowledgment of their shared success.

Not long after, Hugo and Ines made their entrance.

After exchanging pleasantries with others, they made their way toward Zane and Zora.

“Wow, Zora! That gown is absolutely stunning! Where did you find it? I need to take my girlfriend there sometime,” Ines exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Zora’s outfit.

Before Zora could respond, Zane interjected with the name of the boutique.

Ines raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye. “You took her shopping?”

Zora raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unfolding scene. Before Zane and the others could react, she glided over to Jethro, her demeanor confident and poised.

“Mr. Blackwood, would you do me the honor of a dance?” she asked, extending her pale, delicate hand, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Jethro looked down at her, as if weighing his options.

After a brief pause that felt like an eternity, he took her hand, leading her to the center of the dance floor.

The crowd parted for them, creating an intimate space that seemed to pulse with energy.

Instantly, Jethro and Zora became the focal point of the evening.

Their movements were fluid and graceful, each step a testament to their skill. The pairing of the handsome man and the beautiful woman drew waves of applause and admiration from the audience.

The women Jethro had previously turned down simmered with jealousy, their whispers laced with indignation. “Why did he say yes to her? She’s just a little pretty, that’s all! What makes her so special?”

Nearby, someone offered an explanation, their tone dripping with knowledge. “Looks are just a fraction of her appeal. Do you know who she is? Her background?”

“Who? What background?”

“She’s the only daughter of the Moss family, and she holds a PhD in Finance from one of the world’s top universities. Right after graduation, she joined SummitCore Tech as Vice President.”

The girls’ eyes widened in surprise, their expressions shifting from disdain to intrigue. “Just a VP? What’s the big deal?”

The explainer continued, “You don’t get it. SummitCore Tech is a unicorn in the fintech sector, valued at 20 billion dollars. Once it goes public next year, Dr. Moss is projected to become the most valuable woman in Aethelburg!”

The realization hung in the air, thick and palpable, as the women exchanged glances, their jealousy morphing into a begrudging respect.