Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 97

**TITLE: Pain Refines the Soul — Jason Brooks 97**
**Chapter 97: The Most Fiery Horse**

Darcy found herself at a loss for words, her mind racing with confusion and disbelief.

“Wait a minute,” she thought, “couldn’t you two at least consider my thoughts on this?”

After a hearty breakfast, Darcy and Cindy made their way back to the ProsperLink Fund, the air thick with unspoken sentiments.

They arrived earlier than usual, the office still quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere they had grown accustomed to.

As Darcy stepped inside, her eyes immediately caught sight of Zane. The bandage that encircled his wrist was unmistakable, and a slight frown creased her brow.

But why he was injured, or when it had happened—it was no longer her concern.

Cindy leaned in closer, her voice a conspiratorial whisper laced with disdain. “You think they… got a bit too wild last night and that’s how he ended up like this?”

Darcy’s heart tightened, a sharp pang of unexpected pain jolting through her.

She lowered her gaze, her eyelashes casting shadows over her calm expression.

How others choose to live their lives is their own affair. It has nothing to do with me.

Realizing her comment had struck a nerve, Cindy quickly covered Darcy’s eyes playfully. “Ugh, never mind! I shouldn’t have said that.”

A warm sensation blossomed in Darcy’s chest, and she smiled softly, gently pushing Cindy’s hand away. “It’s okay. I’m fine.”

Across the room, Zane observed them, his eyes icy and heavy with unspoken words.

The bandage on his right wrist was a glaring reminder of the previous night’s chaos. He was acutely aware that Darcy had seen it.

In times past, she would have rushed to him, her face painted with concern and worry.

Now, however, she merely glanced at him, her gaze flitting away as if he were nothing more than a passing shadow.

The person standing before him now felt like a stranger, a stark contrast to the vibrant memories he held dear.

Which version of her is the real one?

Or… did she ever truly love me?

The thought crashed over him like a wave, pulling him deeper into a sea of despair, darkening the lines of his face further.

While tension simmered among the three of them, Zora was lost in her own thoughts, her mind racing through the intricate details of the proposal she had been working on.

Just yesterday, following her usual routine, she had sent the necessary requirements to Lucian. The completed proposal had only arrived late into the night, a flurry of specialized knowledge that had left her spinning.

They had spent hours on the phone, her mind grappling with the complex terminology until it finally clicked.

This morning, she had risen early, determined to memorize every detail, running through it twice more during her commute.

With her brain buzzing with information, she found herself unable to focus on Zane’s injury, dismissing it as background noise.

Brandon and his secretary arrived, their faces bright with smiles. Spotting the bandage on Zane’s wrist, Brandon couldn’t help but exclaim, “Mr. Vance! Is your injury serious?”

Zane pressed his lips together tightly, the tension evident in his posture. “Yes, quite serious,” he replied, though his eyes remained locked on Darcy, searching for a reaction that never came.

Seeing her impassive expression only fueled his frustration. “But it’s fine now.”

“Glad to hear it,” Brandon replied, his straightforward nature not allowing him to read the atmosphere.

Brandon, ever the diplomat, shifted his attention to Darcy. “Stratagem’s proposal is also excellent. Each has its unique strengths.”

Darcy nodded, absorbing his words. “Yesterday’s presentation was just the framework. I’ll refine the proposal further and send it to you.”

Before she could finish, Zora quickly chimed in, “I’ll do the same.”

She offered Darcy a smile, but something about it felt off, insincere.

After lunch, the group accompanied Brandon for a horseback riding excursion.

Brandon beamed with enthusiasm, “This is my private stable. We have many fine horses, most of them very gentle. I’ve hired professional trainers from abroad. Feel free to give it a try if you’re interested!”

Zora and Zane had experience riding, while Cindy was practically an expert; the Blackwood Group was a major stakeholder in Aethelburg’s largest equestrian club, and the Blackwood children had learned to ride from a young age.

As for Darcy—

Zora raised an eyebrow, considering. Someone with her background probably hadn’t had the opportunity to ride.

Darcy had indeed never mounted a horse, but she couldn’t decline a client’s invitation.

Cindy, being a wealthy heiress, wouldn’t ride just to please a client, so Darcy resolved to step out of her comfort zone.

Before she climbed onto the horse, she felt compelled to confirm with the stable hand repeatedly, “This horse is really gentle? It won’t hurt me?”

The stable hand nodded reassuringly. “Don’t worry, ma’am. This horse is known for its gentle nature. I’ll be holding the reins; I promise you won’t get hurt.”

On the other side, with Zane’s wrist injured, Zora prepared to ride for their team.

Zora exuded confidence, scanning the stable before asking directly, “Mr. Cole, which is the most fiery-tempered horse you have here?”