Everything Taken I Left to Become CEO (Darcy and Zane) novel Chapter 98

**Chapter 98: The Runaway Horses**

Brandon stood at the edge of the field, his brow furrowed in uncertainty. “That one at the very back,” he finally pointed, his voice tinged with hesitation. “But that horse only arrived a week ago. The trainer hasn’t fully tamed it yet.”

Zora, her demeanor confident and bright, looked at him with a glimmer of determination in her eyes. “Mr. Cole, I’ll be candid with you. During my time studying abroad, I secured first place in a Royal Equestrian competition,” she declared, a smile playing on her lips.

Her words hung in the air, a clear challenge wrapped in the promise of her skills—she could handle even the most stubborn of horses.

Brandon’s expression shifted dramatically, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “Incredible, Dr. Moss! You’ve achieved so much academically, and now I find out you’re an equestrian champion as well. You truly are a force to be reckoned with!”

With that, both women mounted their horses, the anticipation of the ride settling over them like a warm blanket. They began a leisurely circuit around the expansive field, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds, and the grass beneath them was a vibrant green. Techwood, nestled in the southern region, offered a pleasantly warm temperature that made riding a joy.

Darcy, initially gripping the reins with a hint of anxiety, began to feel the gentle nature of her horse. As she gradually relaxed, she closed her eyes, letting the serene beauty of the landscape wash over her.

“Ms. Gale,” Zora called, breaking the peaceful silence as she rode alongside her. “Are you absolutely certain you won’t reconsider coming back?”

Darcy opened her eyes and turned to meet Zora’s gaze, her heart racing.

This time, instead of hastily dismissing the idea, she decided to probe deeper. “Do you know the nature of my relationship with Zane?” she asked, her tone steady but curious.

Zora raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. “What relationship?”

In that moment, a realization dawned upon Darcy. Zora had been aware of her connection with Zane all along.

A frown creased Darcy’s forehead. “You knew, yet you still want me to return? Doesn’t that bother you?”

Zora’s smile was unfazed, radiating an air of confidence. “Why should it? It’s only natural that you liked Zane. He’s handsome, wealthy, and exceptionally capable. As long as he chooses to keep his heart with me from now on, I have no qualms about the past.”

“How generous of you, Dr. Moss,” Darcy replied, a cold laugh escaping her lips. “But I do care about the past.”

Zora raised her eyebrow again, her expression challenging. “Ms. Gale, if I were in your shoes, I would seriously consider returning.”

“Oh? And why would that be?” Darcy asked, her gaze steady as she scrutinized Zora.

Zora leaned slightly forward, her voice smooth and persuasive. “As an ordinary person, dreaming of marrying into a family like the Blackwoods is nothing but a fantasy. If you return to SummitCore, not only will you receive a salary increase, but Zane will also grant you stock options. When the company goes public next year, your wealth will soar. You’ll earn far more than you ever could at Stratagem.”

Darcy fell silent, her mind racing.

It was true—birds of a feather flock together.

She had once believed Zora to be an innocent bystander in her tumultuous history with Zane, a victim of circumstance. Now, however, the realization struck her like a thunderclap—Zora was not only aware but possibly orchestrating this entire situation.

A chill crept down Darcy’s spine as the implications settled in.

What was this woman truly after?

Did she come here merely to steal Zane away from her?

The stable hand, realizing the danger, lost his grip on the reins, his voice rising in alarm as he shouted, “Emergency! The horses are spooked and out of control! Someone, come quick!”

On the viewing platform, Zane, ignoring the pain from his injured hand, swiftly mounted a horse and took off in pursuit.

He was the most skilled rider present, and his instincts kicked in.

Cindy and Brandon, helpless, could only call for help on their phones, their faces etched with concern.

Zane quickly closed the distance, his heart racing as he spotted Darcy ahead. She was pale and terrified, clinging desperately to her horse. When her eyes met his, a flicker of hope ignited within her, and her lips trembled as she whispered, “H-help…”

“Zane! Help me, help me!” Zora’s frantic cry pierced the air, coming from up ahead.

For a brief moment, Zane’s heart wavered, caught in a tumultuous decision. Then, gritting his teeth, he urged his horse past Darcy, racing ahead with determination.

He reached Zora, swiftly taking control of her reins and pulling her tightly into his embrace.

In an instant, the light in Darcy’s eyes flickered out, replaced by despair.

She closed her eyes, envisioning the worst—being thrown from the horse, her bones shattering upon impact. But that horrifying image never materialized.

Instead, she felt the warmth of Zane’s strong, hard chest pressing against her back, anchoring her in the chaos.