Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 9

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 9: Do You Have a Girlfriend?**

Nestled conveniently close to Stratagem Tech was a bustling shopping mall, a favorite haunt for many employees seeking a brief escape from their workday. Darcy, having made up her mind to venture there, swung her bag over her shoulder and made her way toward the elevator with a sense of purpose.

She certainly didn’t anticipate running into Jethro Blackwood in such an unexpected setting.

With a respectful nod, she greeted him, “Mr. Blackwood.”

Jethro, with his long limbs and easy smile, reached out to hold the elevator door open, his other hand casually tucked into his pocket. “How did your mother’s surgery go? Was it successful?”

“Yes, it went very well. I’m just heading to the mall to pick up a few things for her,” Darcy replied, feeling a warmth in her chest at the genuine concern in his voice.

“Perfect timing, then. I’m driving past that mall. I can give you a lift,” he offered, his tone casual yet inviting.

Darcy hesitated, shaking her head gently. “That’s not necessary. I’ll bike; it’s quick,” she insisted, not wanting to impose on him with what she considered a trivial errand.

But Jethro merely smiled, unfazed by her reluctance. “Don’t stand on ceremony. Come on, we’ll go straight down to BI,” he said, his voice leaving little room for argument.

Feeling a tinge of obligation, Darcy nodded, realizing it would be impolite to refuse him again.

As they descended into the underground parking garage, the dim lighting cast a muted glow over the maze of parked cars, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Concerned that she might lose her way, Jethro deliberately slowed his pace, ensuring she could keep up.

When they reached his sleek Rolls-Royce, he opened the passenger door with a flourish, a gesture she hadn’t anticipated.

Darcy had intended to sit in the backseat, but she paused at the threshold, uncertainty flickering across her features.

“What’s wrong?” Jethro asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

Gathering her courage, Darcy pressed her lips together and asked, “Mr. Blackwood, do you have a girlfriend?”

She was aware that he wasn’t married; his status as the CEO and a significant shareholder of the Blackwood Group made that information public knowledge. However, the question of whether he had a girlfriend lingered in the air, uncertain and delicate.

If he did, she thought, it might be inappropriate for her to take the front seat.

The unexpected nature of her question took Jethro by surprise. After a brief moment of contemplation, he shook his head, a reassuring smile breaking across his face.

“Don’t worry, I don’t have a girlfriend. I do have a sister who loves riding shotgun, though,” he replied, gesturing for her to get in with a gentlemanly “after you.”

Once she settled into her seat and buckled her seatbelt, curiosity bubbled to the surface. “A sister? Your biological sister? Does she also work at the Blackwood Group?” she inquired, intrigued.

As the Rolls-Royce smoothly glided out of the garage, Jethro nodded, his hands deftly maneuvering the wheel. “I forgot to mention. Cindy Blackwood—my sister—is an Account Manager at Stratagem Tech. She’s returning from a business trip next week. You’ll meet her then.”

Cindy? The name rang a bell in Darcy’s memory as she mentally sifted through the organizational chart of Stratagem Tech.

“Oh, Cindy!” she exclaimed, recognition lighting up her face.

“Yes. She grew up overseas and is very… free-spirited. Stubborn, with a mind of her own. No one in the family can control her,” Jethro said, a hint of exasperation in his tone as he spoke of his sister.

His expression shifted to one of helplessness, and even Darcy couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of his rebellious sister.

“Actually, Stratagem was originally set up as a startup playground for her,” Jethro continued, his voice laced with a mix of pride and frustration. “But she’s flighty. She lost interest after just six months and dropped it.”

“I thought the company had potential, so I took it over. I just let her keep the Account Manager title to handle some existing clients. But she’s spoiled. I don’t expect any great achievements from her. I’d be thankful if she just doesn’t offend the clients.”

A genuine concern etched itself onto Jethro’s face, and Darcy smiled faintly, piecing together the puzzle of why Stratagem, despite the powerful backing of the Blackwood Group, hadn’t taken off as expected.

As they drove, the neon lights outside flickered, casting a kaleidoscope of colors into the car. Darcy’s brown hair danced with the movement of her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with a liveliness that contrasted sharply with her usual composed demeanor at work.

Watching her profile, Jethro felt a light, feathery tickle in his heart, a sensation he couldn’t quite place. His fingers tightened ever so slightly on the steering wheel, and he turned his gaze away, feeling an unfamiliar warmth spread through him.

The car rolled to a stop at the mall’s back entrance. Darcy thanked him with a smile and stepped out, the door closing softly behind her. Jethro watched her disappear through the revolving doors before driving away, a lingering sense of connection hanging in the air.

…

With this thought in mind, Kaia happily linked arms with Zora. “Dr. Moss, I know a clothing store that’s super chic. It would be perfect for you.”

Zora smiled warmly. “Great, let’s go.”

“Dr. Moss, you’re so nice. I thought someone as amazing as you wouldn’t bother shopping with someone like me,” Kaia remarked, her voice light and teasing.

“I’m not that amazing. I just studied a bit longer. In every other way, I’m just an ordinary girl,” Zora replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her modest smile betraying her humility.

Kaia shook her head vigorously. “No way! You have a PhD! And from a top-ranked university abroad! You’re the most impressive person I know!”

“Really? More impressive than your best friend?” Zora asked playfully, raising an eyebrow.

Kaia stopped walking, her smile faltering slightly.

“I’m joking, don’t take it seriously,” Zora quickly added, her demeanor shifting to one of humility. “I truly admire Ms. Gale. She brings in so much business for the company single-handedly. She must be an incredible woman. I’m all theory, no practice—a typical ‘bookworm.’ I definitely can’t compare to Ms. Gale.”

But Kaia didn’t see it that way.

She shook her head vigorously again. “Dr. Moss, don’t put yourself down like that! You’re far more impressive than Darcy!

“Education? She only has a bachelor’s degree, and you have a PhD from abroad. Family? You’re the only daughter of the prestigious Moss family in Aethelburg. Darcy grew up in a single-parent household and had to work part-time through college. Career? She might have closed some deals, but you’re just starting out. Your potential is much higher than hers.

“Besides, she’s just in sales. She doesn’t understand anything beyond marketing. But you’re different! You grasp finance, you can code, and you know our product inside out. You’re easily worth three of her!”

Zora laughed, “Really? You’d better not be lying to me!”

“I swear! Cross my heart!” Kaia insisted, her sincerity shining through.

They continued their conversation, blissfully unaware that Darcy had just stepped out from the side of the mall entrance, having overheard every word.