**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 92**
**CONTENT: Chapter 92 Not Considering Anything in My Love Life**
Even with Ione back at home, she would never suspect a thing about Kaia.
066
Finished
“That’s great news! Make sure to rest for a few more days,” Zora said, her voice light and reassuring. “I’ve already spoken to HR. They’ve confirmed that your pay will remain unaffected during this time; it will be counted as regular attendance.” The relief that washed over Kaia was palpable, almost like a soothing balm over her worries.
Kaia felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude swell within her.
Lately, her finances had been feeling the strain. Tomorrow night marked her girlfriend’s birthday celebration, and the thought of not having enough money for a dress weighed heavily on her mind.
After wrapping up her conversation with Zora, Kaia gathered the files scattered across her desk and began to tiptoe out of the room, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.
Just then, her gaze fell upon a stunning dress hanging gracefully in the closet.
Wow. This dress is absolutely breathtaking. The fabric was unmistakably from that renowned high-end couture studio, exuding elegance and sophistication.
She couldn’t resist the urge to reach out and caress the silky fabric. Darcy really does have all the luck.
Such a lavish dress, and the company had simply gifted it to her.
Why can’t I have that kind of fortune?
An idea began to spark in her mind, igniting a flicker of mischief.
Darcy was off on a business trip for the next three days. No one would notice if she borrowed this exquisite dress for the birthday party…
She could easily return it later without anyone being the wiser…
A sly grin crept onto Kaia’s lips as she gathered the dress along with the files and slipped out of the room, her heart fluttering with the thrill of her plan.
Back at the office, Darcy was diligently wrapping up her urgent tasks when she called Cade over, her tone professional yet friendly.
“Cindy and I are heading out on a business trip to Techwood for the next three days. The Easemark project will temporarily be under your care,” she informed him, her voice steady.
Cade, feeling the weight of this new responsibility settle on his shoulders, clasped his hands together earnestly. “Boss, you can count on me! Have a safe… journey!”
Darcy blinked, taken aback momentarily.
She was traveling for work, not embarking on a perilous adventure!
After a quick lunch, Darcy and Cindy made their way to the airport, excitement buzzing in the air.
In the elevator, Darcy’s eyes widened at the sight of two enormous suitcases trailing behind Cindy. A vein throbbed at her temple, a mix of disbelief and annoyance bubbling up.
Holding back her frustration, she finally blurted out, “Are you planning to take a vacation after the business trip?”
Her politeness was thinly veiled. Those suitcases were clearly meant for month-long getaways, not just a brief business jaunt.
Cindy blinked innocently, her expression a perfect mask of confusion. “No, just for the business trip.”
Darcy couldn’t help but feel a twitch at the corners of her lips. Truly, she was the epitome of a wealthy heiress!
Upon arriving at the airport, Darcy was about to join the security line when Cindy suddenly pulled her to the side.
Darcy looked up, her eyes widening at the sight of the First-Class Security Lane.
Cindy, with a calm demeanor, explained, “I had the admin change your booking from economy to first class.”
Darcy fell silent, her mind racing with surprise and disbelief.
“Don’t worry, it’s perfectly within policy. Company rules allow executives to fly first class for business trips,” Cindy reassured her. “As for me… well, I’m covering the cost of my own upgrade.”
Ah, the capable and affluent heiress. Darcy was becoming accustomed to this dynamic.
Darcy’s eyes widened in surprise.
Jethro quickly added, “Not for the same matter.”
“Oh.” A wave of relief washed over her, dispelling her earlier apprehension.
Soon, Cindy returned, her expression revealing no surprise at seeing Jethro, clearly having known he would be there.
Darcy instinctively began to rise, wanting to give them space to converse.
But Cindy merely raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes, and waved her hands dismissively. “Don’t mind me! You two keep chatting.”
She then settled into a seat in a far corner, pretending to read a magazine while subtly glancing their way, clearly eavesdropping.
An awkward silence enveloped them, stretching on until the boarding announcement crackled over the speakers.
Finally—
They both exhaled a quiet, simultaneous sigh of relief.
Then, as if choreographed, they froze, exchanged glances, and quickly looked away.
After standing up, Cindy rushed over, grabbing Darcy’s arm with excitement. “Hey, what happened? You two didn’t say a single word after I left?” She winked exaggeratedly at Darcy, clearly enjoying the moment.
Darcy understood her friend’s intention all too well. Taking a deep breath, she replied, “Cindy, I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But I’m not considering anything in my love life right now.”
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11:37 Wed, Dec 17
Everything Taken, I Left to Become CEO

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