Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 91

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks**
**Chapter 91: I’m Absolutely Not Going Back**

His slender fingers danced nervously across the steering wheel, a subtle indication of the turmoil roiling within him. Jason’s heart raced as he pondered Darcy’s true feelings, the weight of uncertainty pressing heavily on his chest.

Despite the fact that he was well aware of her steadfast resolve, he couldn’t shake the nagging thought: what if? The man who prided himself on maintaining control found himself feeling anxious over what seemed like a trivial matter.

“I’ve already made my stance clear. I’m absolutely not going back,” Darcy declared, her voice steady and devoid of emotion, her gaze fixed firmly ahead.

Jethro felt a knot form in his stomach as he loosened his tie, releasing a heavy sigh that seemed to echo his internal conflict.

“But she mentioned that you signed a non-compete agreement with SummitCore Tech. If you refuse to return, you could be facing a lawsuit,” he cautioned, his voice laced with concern.

Darcy’s body went rigid, her mind racing as the implications of his words sank in.

So this was the game they were playing.

First, Zane had issued a threat that sent shivers down her spine. Then, Zora had betrayed her by leaking sensitive information to her boss, further tightening the noose around her.

Their objective was clear: to leave her feeling isolated and powerless.

How utterly despicable!

Yet, a flicker of defiance ignited within her. She had anticipated this maneuver.

“It’s fine. Let them sue. They won’t win,” Darcy replied, her voice steady, a hint of steel underlying her words.

Jethro recognized the resolve in her statement; Darcy never spoke without conviction. If she claimed she was prepared, then she must have taken the necessary steps to protect herself.

Still, he felt compelled to offer additional support. “The Blackwood Group’s legal department is at your disposal. I’ll make sure to inform the legal director first thing tomorrow to provide you with full assistance.”

A wave of warmth washed over Darcy, her heart swelling with gratitude. What an incredible boss she had! It wasn’t every day that an employee found such unwavering support in a superior.

As the car came to a halt in front of her apartment building, Darcy unbuckled her seatbelt but hesitated as Jethro’s voice broke the silence. “You and Zane…” he began, his tone probing.

Her hands stilled on the clasp of her seatbelt, and an icy chill crept into her voice. “It ended a long time ago.”

With that, she swung the car door open and offered a casual wave to the man in the driver’s seat. “Goodbye, Mr. Blackwood.”

As she turned to walk toward the entrance of her complex, a fleeting sensation prickled at the back of her neck. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of someone watching her.

Darcy tightened her grip on her bag, instinctively glancing over her shoulder.

But there was nothing there.

Frowning, she quickened her pace, a sense of unease gnawing at her as she hurried home.

Once she was safely inside, Hugo, who had been parked some distance away, finally rolled down his car window. He had been observing Darcy’s every move, noting how she had bid farewell to Jethro.

Even in private, she still addressed him as “Mr. Blackwood.”

It seemed they were indeed nothing more than a typical boss and employee.

With a cigarette now lit between his fingers, Hugo took a long drag before turning his car around and driving off into the night.

Back at her apartment, after washing up, Darcy wasted no time and settled down at her desk, ready to dive into her studies.

With less than two months remaining until her exam, she knew she had to make every moment count.

Fortunately, with Bram tutoring her, math had become manageable, and her major subject had always been a strong suit.

As she wrapped up her review session, she leaned back and stretched, her eyes wandering to her bookshelf. Two books were noticeably out of order in the middle section.

Ione’s eyes widened in alarm. “Oh, dear! Why are you only telling me now? I haven’t had time to pack for you!”

She jumped up, ready to dash to Darcy’s room, but Darcy gently grasped her hand.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already packed,” she reassured her mother with a smile.

After breakfast, Darcy loaded her luggage into the car and drove to the office.

Before departing, she deliberately left her bedroom door unlocked, but this time, she set a clever trap—placing a tiny camera in an inconspicuous corner of the room.

At a red light, she opened the monitoring app on her phone, her heart racing with anticipation.

Sure enough, she watched as Kaia, seizing the opportunity when Ione wasn’t looking, tiptoed into her room.

A triumphant smile crept across Darcy’s lips.

This time, Kaia’s entry was effortless. She didn’t suspect a thing, assuming Darcy had merely forgotten to secure the door. How naïve this woman was!

Recalling her previous encounter, Kaia retrieved the two files, snapping photographs of every page and sending them to Zora.

Within moments, Zora replied, “Good, received. Find time to make photocopies. Ensure they’re clear.”

Kaia texted back, “Okay, will do.”

After a brief pause, Zora added another instruction, “Be extremely careful. Do not alert her.”

Kaia’s response was filled with confidence. “Don’t worry, Dr. Moss. Darcy’s on a business trip. She won’t be back for three days.”

As the day unfolded, the stakes continued to rise, and Darcy was ready to play her hand.