Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 90

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 90**
**Chapter 90 She Really Wants You Back**

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In the midst of the lively dance floor, Zora found herself with her hand resting gently on Jethro’s shoulder. The subtle, refreshing aroma of sandalwood that emanated from him sent a rush of warmth through her, causing her heart to race in a way she had never experienced before. It was an unfamiliar thrill, one she had never felt with Zane, and it both excited and unnerved her.

If it hadn’t been for that short-lived, fractured engagement with Jethro’s cousin, she might have entertained the thought of pursuing something deeper with him. But the echoes of the past lingered.

“Careful,” Jethro cautioned, his voice smooth and steady. Just as they were about to collide with another couple, he pivoted effortlessly, his hand guiding her waist to steer them clear of the impending bump.

Zora felt her cheeks flush with warmth, an embarrassed smile dancing on her lips. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have let myself get distracted.”

“It’s perfectly alright,” Jethro replied, a slight smile gracing his features, his eyes twinkling with understanding rather than reproach.

Zora hesitated, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and urgency. “Mr. Blackwood, there’s something I need to discuss with you… I’m not entirely sure how to approach it,” she admitted, biting her lip as she glanced up to meet his gaze.

Jethro’s brow furrowed slightly. “If you’re uncertain, perhaps it’s best to keep it to yourself,” he suggested, though there was a hint of curiosity in his tone.

Zora felt a jolt of surprise at his response, but she pressed on, her resolve strengthening. “But I can’t bear the thought of you being misled. Or of us potentially facing each other in a courtroom someday,” she insisted, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Jethro raised an eyebrow, a flicker of skepticism crossing his features. “Court? That seems rather drastic, Dr. Moss.”

Taking a deep breath, Zora decided it was time to be direct. “Mr. Blackwood, you might not be aware, but Darcy signed a non-compete agreement during her time with us. She’s not allowed to join any direct competitors after leaving, and Stratagem is on that list.”

Her words seemed to hang in the air, heavy with implication. “So, if she were to join Stratagem, it would be a breach of that agreement. I’ve been trying to convince her to return to us. If she agrees, that would be ideal. If she doesn’t…”

Suddenly, Jethro halted their dance, his hand slipping from her waist. The atmosphere shifted, tension crackling between them. Zora sensed the gravity of her words had struck home. She took a tentative step closer, her heart racing. “Mr. Blackwood…”

“Does Zane support your position on this?” Jethro interjected, his tone abrupt and unexpected.

Zora froze, taken aback by his sudden shift in focus. “Yes. He doesn’t want to lose someone as talented as Darcy,” she replied, her voice faltering slightly.

Inside, Zora was battling her own thoughts. Since her return, she had been careful to mask her awareness of Zane’s complicated history with Darcy. She had made numerous attempts to win Darcy back, hoping to restore the balance she felt was lost.

Just like she was trying to do now.

Jethro’s gaze bore into her, cool and assessing, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. “He really is…”

The word “heartless” lingered unspoken, yet he chose to replace it with, “…determined to retain talent.”

“However, this is ultimately a matter between you and Ms. Gale. I won’t interfere. But if it’s not too much to ask, I would appreciate it if you would consider letting it go, out of courtesy to me. After all, she is now part of the Blackwood Group.”

Zora was taken aback, her mind racing. She hadn’t anticipated Jethro would defend Darcy’s position so fervently.

Her heart sank as she realized he might view her efforts to reclaim Darcy as a betrayal. “I’m truly sorry, Mr. Blackwood, but Darcy is also vital to SummitCore,” she replied, her voice tinged with desperation.

The thought of stepping back into the office without Darcy filled her with dread. The head of the R&D team would bombard her with questions the moment she set foot inside. Lucian was helpful, but the time zone difference posed a significant challenge, and too many questions might raise suspicions.

With Darcy back, Zora could finally enjoy the perks of her position without the constant pressure of work. She could relax and wait for SummitCore’s IPO, ready to reap the rewards.

As Darcy approached the parking lot, she spotted Jethro leaning against his car, seemingly waiting for her arrival.

“Mr. Blackwood,” she called out, quickening her pace. “Were you waiting for me?”

“Yes. Ride with me. My assistant will drive your car back later,” he instructed, his tone leaving little room for argument.

“But…” she hesitated, sensing the weight of the conversation that lay ahead.

No rush. There would always be time.

In the luxurious confines of the Rolls-Royce, they had driven a considerable distance before Jethro broke the silence.

“Earlier, Zora asked me to dance,” he mentioned casually.

Darcy’s fingers twitched slightly, her curiosity piqued. She made a soft sound of acknowledgment, urging him to continue.

“While we danced, she mentioned that she really wants you back at SummitCore,” Jethro concluded, turning his head to gauge her reaction.

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Everything Taken, I Left to Become CEO

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