Everything Taken, I Left to Become CEO Free Preview

Zane Vance's childhood crush, the one he'd held in his heart for over a decade, had returned to the country after finishing her studies.

First, he forgot about their appointment to pick out her wedding dress. Then, without a second thought, he gave the Vice President position at his company to that same woman.

Darcy Gale now stood outside Zane's office door, wanting to ask him what was going on.

But she could hear him talking with his friend inside.

His friend asked, "Weren't you going to give the VP role to Darcy? She's your fiancée-to-be."

Zane sounded dismissive. "Is that necessary? I'm the CEO of SummitCore Tech."

A bitter taste rose in Darcy's throat.

After a long pause, his friend spoke again, "After all this time, you still haven't gotten over Zora, have you?"

Zane's voice was rough. "The one you couldn't have in your youth will haunt you for the rest of your life. For me, Zora is that person."

A memory, hidden in a dark corner of Darcy's mind, surfaced.

She suddenly remembered a time, long ago, when Zane had murmured that name in his sleep.

She hadn't thought much of it then, assuming he was just talking nonsense in a dream.

The signs were there all along.

Darcy stood frozen, a sharp, stabbing pain spreading through her chest.

She wanted to turn and leave, but a fierce, morbid curiosity kept her rooted to the spot.

She clamped a hand over her mouth, letting the tears fall in heavy, silent drops.

His friend hesitated before reminding him, "But you and Darcy are getting engaged soon."

"I will marry Darcy. Not for love, but out of duty. Once her mother is out of the hospital after her surgery, we'll hold the engagement ceremony as planned."

Zane's cold, clear voice extinguished the last flicker of hope in Darcy's heart.

So he had never loved her!

Seven years ago, Darcy had fallen for Zane at first sight during a campus social. They started dating soon after.

Five years ago, Darcy was accepted into her dream graduate program. But because Zane wanted to start a company, she tore up her acceptance letter without hesitation to build a future with him, through thick and thin.

Now, SummitCore Tech, the company they built together, was an industry unicorn, valued at over a billion dollars.

A month ago, over a casual meal, Zane had offhandedly asked if she wanted to get engaged.

There was no ring, no flowers, but Darcy had been overjoyed. He had no idea how long she'd been waiting for him to propose.

She agreed without hesitation. Zane had simply nodded, his expression neutral. "Okay. We'll go look at wedding dresses after your business trip."

Today was the day Darcy returned from that trip. She went straight to the bridal shop from the airport.

She waited from 2 PM until 6 PM. Zane never showed.

He wasn't answering her texts or calls. So, Darcy came to his office.

She never expected to hear his "heartfelt truths" instead.

Darcy stood there, listening quietly to his cruel words.

Five years of willing sacrifice had all been a joke!

It was time to wake up.

She wiped her tears, picked up her suitcase quietly, and left.

Just as she reached the street downstairs, her phone rang. It was the bridal shop.

"Ms. Gale, we're still holding the dress for you. When should we expect you and Mr. Vance?"

Darcy looked at the flickering neon lights of the city, a self-mocking smile on her lips.

"Don't bother. We're calling off the engagement."

A gasp came from the other end. Darcy hung up sharply.

She was exhausted, body and soul. She didn't want to go home. Her mother was about to be hospitalized, and she didn't want to worry her.

After a moment's thought, she decided to get a taxi to a nearby hotel for the night. She needed to collect herself.

While she was waiting by the curb, a message finally came through from Zane.

"Sorry, was in back-to-back meetings this afternoon. Couldn't make it to the fitting. You decide on the dress. You're on leave starting tomorrow. Take a rest. Handle the engagement preparations. I'm swamped with work."

Darcy had already requested this month-long leave before her trip. It was for two reasons—to care for her mother during her surgery, and to plan their engagement.

It looked like the second reason was no longer necessary.

But her mother's surgery was scheduled. She couldn't delay that. She would still take the leave.

Darcy turned off her phone screen without replying.

Her taxi finally arrived. She put her luggage in the trunk and slid into the back seat.

Just then, a black Maybach sped past.

The driver was none other than Zane.

And in the passenger seat sat the woman he couldn't forget.

So, this was his "back-to-back meetings."

No time to accompany his fiancée to try on a dress, but plenty of time to take his old flame out to dinner.

The tears threatened to fall again.

At the hotel, after checking in and washing up, Darcy felt her head clearer.

She took out a pen and paper from her suitcase and began writing her resignation letter.

After seven years together, she wanted a clean, quiet break. For both their sakes.

The next morning, she handed the sealed envelope to a courier, instructing him to deliver it to Rex at SummitCore Tech.

Rex was Zane's personal assistant.

Once packed, Darcy wheeled her suitcase out the door. Her phone rang. It was her best friend, Kaia Lark.

"Darcy! So sorry, I just saw your message from yesterday."

Darcy pressed her lips together. They worked at the same company.

Yesterday, she had found out about Zora Moss joining SummitCore through Kaia's Instagram.

It was a photo of the two of them. Kaia and Zora were cheek-to-cheek. Kaia's eyes shone with admiration, while Zora smiled serenely, the picture of grace.

The caption read, "Wow!So lucky to have Dr. Moss join us as VP! Big things ahead for our team!"

Whatever. Kaia doesn't know Zora is Zane's old flame. No point blaming the ignorant.

Darcy wouldn't take it out on her. She forced a light laugh. "It's fine."

On the other end of the line, Kaia paused, a slight frown forming.

She's taking this lying down?

Her fiancé's old flame steals her VP promotion, and it's "fine"?

Tch. No wonder they call her Zane's lapdog. Her tolerance is something else.

Zane had specifically asked her not to tell Darcy about Zora's hiring yet.

Yesterday's post had been for Darcy's eyes only.

She'd been sure Darcy would confront Zane, make a scene. But nothing.

Darcy hadn't even dared to ask.

What a coward.

Kaia couldn't hide her disappointment.

After hanging up, Darcy went downstairs for breakfast, then prepared to get a taxi home.

Just then, a WhatsApp message popped up.

"Ms. Gale, have you considered my proposal from yesterday?"

The sender was Jethro Blackwood, heir to the Blackwood Group.

Before Darcy could reply, another message followed.

"My offer is sincere. I truly want you to join Stratagem Tech as CEO."

CEO? A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Blackwood Group needed to hire an external CEO?

Darcy's fingers tightened around her phone. She stared at the screen, her mind reeling.

After a long moment, she replied, "I'll consider it."

Since she was determined to leave, she had no reason to refuse a new opportunity, especially one from the renowned Blackwood Group's wholly-owned subsidiary.

Seeing her openness, he immediately replied, "Good. If you're free today, I can give you a tour of the company. You can decide after seeing it."

Perhaps it was his respect that won her over. Darcy replied with a simple "Okay" before going to finish her breakfast.

Later, she took a taxi to Stratagem Tech.

It was early autumn, the air crisp and clear. Darcy rolled down the car window.

The wind tousled her hair and seemed to blow away some of the gloom in her chest.

Soon, the car stopped at the ground floor of the Blackwood Group tower.

To Darcy's surprise, the heir to the famous Blackwood Group was waiting at the entrance to greet her personally.

He looked like he'd been waiting for a while.

She approached and nodded. "Mr. Blackwood. Good morning."

Jethro, dressed in a sharp black suit, his features deep and distinct, extended his hand. "Thank you for coming."

Sensing her slight tension, he smiled and gestured toward the elevators, politely holding the door for her.

"Don't worry. The Blackwood Group isn't the mafia." His tone was light. "This is about mutual interest. If you tour the place and aren't interested, that's perfectly fine."

At these words, the heavy weight in Darcy's chest eased slightly.

Jethro was the eldest son and heir of the prestigious Blackwood family. Young as he was, he helmed the entire family empire, having expanded and strengthened it into Aethelburg's highest-valued company.

Stratagem Tech, the subsidiary he mentioned, was founded just two years ago, focusing on fintech product development. It was housed within the Blackwood Group tower.

Initially, it received significant market buzz, but for some reason, its growth had stalled, and it had faded from industry conversations.

Meanwhile, SummitCore Tech had risen to prominence.

Stratagem Tech and SummitCore Tech operated in overlapping sectors—both developed tech products for domestic and international financial firms.

They were peers, but also competitors.

That's probably why he's trying to poach me.

Their acquaintance was a coincidence, stemming from a government reception. They'd only exchanged brief pleasantries then.

Their real interaction happened during her recent business trip up north.

Jethro, representing Stratagem Tech, had personally met with the client—a significant gesture. Yet, the client ultimately chose to continue negotiations with Darcy.

As she left the client's building, Jethro had approached her, introduced himself with a slight bow, and handed her his business card.

His handsome face was earnest, his eyes smiling. "Ms. Gale. I've heard much about you. Seeing you in action today was impressive. I wonder if you'd honor me with a dinner invitation?"

Darcy was surprised that he knew who she was. She politely declined. "I'm sorry, I'm in a hurry to get back."

Coincidentally, they ran into each other again in the airport terminal.

Jethro extended another warm invitation. Darcy declined again.

Even someone like Darcy, who didn't focus overly on looks, had to admit Jethro was strikingly handsome. His appeal was completely different from Zane's.

Zane was cold, aloof, and untouchable—distant.

But Jethro...

In the elevator, Darcy couldn't help but glance at him sideways.

The man beside her seemed to sense it. He raised a brow slightly. "Is something wrong?"

"Oh, no. Nothing." Darcy averted her gaze, calmly looking down at the floor.

She thought for a moment, finally landing on the right words to describe him.

Clear-eyed, with a bright and open demeanor.

That's Jethro.

At Stratagem Tech, Jethro personally showed Darcy around. Then, he led her to his office and laid out the company's situation with complete honesty.

Though Stratagem was still in its early stages, it was backed by the formidable financial muscle of the Blackwood Group. With the right guidance to get on track, its potential was massive. Surpassing SummitCore was only a matter of time.

Jethro's eyes held a spark of anticipation. "The team is only about thirty people right now. The product is just a prototype. If you're willing, this team will be yours to shape as you see fit."

Darcy felt a stir of excitement.

She pursed her lips, speaking frankly, "I'm very interested. But my situation with SummitCore is... complicated. I can't extricate myself immediately."

"I understand," Jethro's voice was calm and reassuring. "I can wait. However long it takes."

"How about this?" Darcy proposed a compromise. "I'm taking a month's leave starting now. I could do a one-month trial period here. If it's a good fit, we can sign a formal contract then."

A month from now would be right around when her resignation from SummitCore would be finalized.

She could join Stratagem formally after cleanly leaving SummitCore.

Jethro's eyes brightened. This was progressing more smoothly than he'd anticipated.

It seems there really is trouble between her and Zane.

"Good. Your benefits during the trial period will be the full package," he confirmed.

When it came to compensation, Jethro was generous. When he placed the agreement in front of Darcy, she was stunned.

A three-hundred-thousand-dollar annual salary. Ten percent equity. Annual dividends...

She counted the zeros. Her eyes widened.

Jethro's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he offered her a pen. "We can negotiate if anything is unsatisfactory."

"N-no, it's fine. It's more than fine," Darcy managed, slightly embarrassed to admit that after all her years at SummitCore, her base salary was still only 5,000 dollars a month.

Without her sales commissions and bonuses, she'd have struggled to get by.

Knowing the hardships of building a business from scratch, and seeing how Zane lost sleep over funding, she had never asked for a raise, let alone equity.

And now, all those years of devotion had turned out to be a cruel joke.

She signed the papers quickly and handed them back to Jethro.

She assumed she'd start work immediately, but Jethro told her to come back next Monday instead.

"Huh? Isn't the business urgent?"

Jethro smiled, "It is. But you resting well is more important right now."

His gaze fell to the suitcase at her feet.

It was clear he knew she hadn't gone home last night.

Darcy accepted his kindness. She was utterly exhausted and desperately needed a proper sleep.

When she arrived home, her mother, Ione Gale, took her suitcase and patted her cheek, looking concerned. "Oh, dear, your eyes are all red and bloodshot. This business trip must have been rough."

Darcy hugged her mother's neck, sniffing, her voice choked. "I'm fine, Mom. Just really tired."

Ione patted her head. "Don't push yourself too hard. If it's too much, talk to Zane. He's going to be your husband soon. It's his job to look out for his wife."

Mentioning it was like opening the floodgates. The tears Darcy had been holding back threatened to spill over.

How could she tell her mother that Zane didn't love her and would never look out for her?

But she knew her mother already saw Zane as family. With her surgery imminent, Darcy decided to keep it to herself for now. She would tell her after her mother's condition stabilized.

Darcy looked up at her mother, forcing a playful tone. "Mom, I'd kill for some of your spaghetti."

"Alright, alright, I'll make it for you right now."

Once Ione was in the kitchen, Darcy collapsed onto the sofa, all the strength draining from her body.

...

On the top floor of SummitCore Tech, Rex accepted the envelope from the courier, completely baffled.

Who was it from?

The envelope was marked with a large "TO ZANE VANCE." There was no other information.

As his personal assistant, Rex was thorough. He quickly asked the courier, "Who sent this?"

The courier showed him the order details in the system.

Darcy?

Rex was even more confused. What kind of game are these two playing?

Zane ran a tight ship. He was strict about separating professional and personal matters and despised office romances.

Because of this, aside from the original founders who started the company with him, most employees didn't know the true nature of Zane and Darcy's relationship.

Usually, Zane didn't allow Darcy to casually visit the executive floor.

So, sometimes, Rex acted as a go-between for them.

But communicating by letter...

This was a first.

Without hesitation, Rex went straight to Zane's office.

"Mr. Vance, a letter arrived for you," he said, deliberately not mentioning the sender.

Mentioning it will ruin their little game.

Zane was dealing with emails. Hearing that a letter had arrived for him, he frowned and took it. He tore it open but hadn't had a chance to read the contents when the receptionist appeared at the door.

"Mr. Vance, Mr. Sharp, Mr. Dalton and his team have arrived."

Brian Dalton's team was a major potential client for SummitCore's second half of the year. They couldn't be kept waiting.

Zane set the opened envelope aside on his desk, grabbed his notebook, and hurried with Rex to the conference room.

As he left, his notebook brushed against the desk, knocking the torn envelope into the nearby trash bin.

Five minutes later, the cleaning lady came in. Seeing the letter in the bin and noting it was already opened, she emptied the bin without a second thought.

By the time Zane emerged from the meeting two hours later, he had completely forgotten about the opened, unread letter on his desk.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Come in," Zane said without looking up.

"Mr. Vance."

Hearing the voice, Zane finally looked up. Zora was standing at the door, smiling at him.

His heart gave a little jump. The scene overlapped with a memory from years ago.

Back then, he had just been brought to the Vance residence. He and his mother were looked down upon by everyone. At a party, all the other kids his age avoided him because of his illegitimate status. Only Zora had taken his hand without hesitation, smiled, and said, "We can be friends."

She had never really left his heart since.

As the Vance family's illegitimate son, he had only ever dared to admire her from afar back then.

Now, they could finally sit together as equals. And yet, he was about to have a fiancée.

A bitter taste rose in his throat.

"When it's just us, you can call me Zane. No need to be so formal," he said, standing up to pour her a glass of water.

Zora smiled playfully. "Okay, Zane."

Zane nodded. "What did you need?"

Zora set down her cup, her expression turning serious. "Zane, about you making me VP... does everyone know?"

"Of course. I've already spoken with the tech and product teams beforehand."

Zora hesitated. "What about R&D and Sales? Do they know too?"

Zane glanced at her. "They do."

Zora paused, seeming to want to say more but holding back.

"What is it?" Zane frowned. "Is someone giving you a hard time?"

Zora looked down with a faint smile. "No."

She took a deep breath and looked up again. "Anyway, I've been reviewing the company's R&D plans. If we can integrate a specific model into the core product, it would be a game-changer."

"What model?"

"The Automated Yield Curve Model."

Zane's interest was piqued. "It sounds promising. But is it patented?"

Zora nodded. "Yes. It was developed by Professor Alistair Reed from Quest University and his students."

"I see. I'll have someone look into the pricing."

"Prof. Reed is a leading authority in financial engineering. It's not something you can just buy with money." Zora smiled confidently. "Leave this to me."

Zane felt a swell of satisfaction. "I appreciate it, Zora. I knew I was right about you. Your qualifications and capabilities are outstanding."

"You flatter me," she said with a mock scold.

After she left, Zane pressed the intercom and gave Rex an instruction.

Soon, Rex knocked and entered.

"Mr. Vance, I looked into it. A few colleagues in R&D and Sales have... reservations about Dr. Moss' appointment. They're saying..."

Zane's voice was low. "Saying what?"

Rex swallowed. "They're saying the VP position was supposed to be Ms. Gale's. That it's unfair to her."

Zane's eyes turned cold. "Who said the VP position was for Ms. Gale?"

Rex shrank back, not daring to say another word.

Zane rubbed his temples, his tone dismissive. "Put the word out. Zora is here by my personal invitation. Anyone who has a problem with her has a problem with me."

Rex was shocked. He had never seen Zane defend someone so fiercely.

Even with Darcy, he was always somewhat distant and cool.

He'd thought that was just Zane's personality. But he was clearly different with Zora.

Realizing where his thoughts were going, Rex quickly stopped himself.

It can't be.

Zane and Darcy had been through seven years together. Everyone from the old guard who knew their story respected him for it.

They all said he was a good man for standing by the woman who was with him from the start.

Zane worked through lunch. Finally catching up, he remembered something.

Darcy still hadn't replied to the message he sent last night.

That wasn't like her.

Is she angry?

He pulled out his phone and searched for her name on WhatsApp.

He rubbed his temples and called her.

At home, Darcy heard her phone vibrate. She picked it up. It was Zane.

She paused, not answering immediately.

Ione looked puzzled. "What's wrong, dear? Why aren't you answering Zane's call?"

With that, she pressed the answer button for her daughter.

It was too late for Darcy to stop her. Reluctantly, she brought the phone to her ear. "Hello?"

Darcy had assumed Zane was calling to discuss her resignation and the called-off engagement. She had mentally prepared her speech.

After all these years, if nothing else, she had dedication. She hoped he would let her go cleanly, out of respect for her past efforts and the love she'd wholeheartedly given him.

In return, she would gracefully wish him and Zora a happy future. She was even willing to see the new northern project through until the contract was signed.

She took a deep breath. "Mr. Vance..."

Zane, on the other end, frowned. It was rare for Darcy to call him "Mr. Vance" outside the office.

The discomfort was brief, though.

He loosened his tie. "Did you see my message yesterday?"

Darcy was caught off guard, her prepared speech halted. She pressed her lips together. "Yes."

Zane paused, waiting for her to continue. Silence.

He felt a wave of relief.

She must not be angry. She'd be making a scene otherwise.

He continued, "When you get a moment, write up a summary of your business trip and send it over."

Darcy wondered if she'd heard correctly.

He called to ask for unpaid overtime?

Was this for real?

He knew her leave was to care for her hospitalized mother. Not only was there no concern from him, but he was demanding extra work.

He only ever contacted her for work-related matters.

How pathetic that she was only seeing this now!

"Mr. Vance, I'm on leave. Would this work be considered overtime?" she asked pointedly.

Zane was taken aback, then irritated. "It's just a summary. How is that overtime? Darcy, stop being difficult!"

She knew that would be his response.

Darcy's voice was flat. "Mr. Vance, I'm sorry. My mother is being admitted tomorrow. I'll be caring for her and won't have time for overtime."

Since there was no overtime pay, she refused.

Zane was jolted into remembering her mother's hospitalization.

Right. I forgot.

But even so, he had no intention of apologizing.

He was used to his superior position, used to Darcy's humble devotion.

Zane simply lowered his voice. "Take good care of your mother. I'll visit you both at the hospital this weekend."

Darcy's heart was numb. "That won't be necessary. Also, about the—"

She pressed her lips together, using all her strength to keep her voice steady. "I sent a—"

Before she could finish, Zane cut in, "I have a meeting. I have to go."

Darcy gave a bitter smile. Same as always. Summoning and dismissing her as he pleased.

She tossed her phone onto the sofa and headed to her bedroom.

The small room was filled with exquisite gift boxes.

Most were engagement gifts Zane had his assistant send over a month ago when they decided to get engaged.

Although distant, Zane was generous with money.

Darcy knelt, gathering all the gifts he'd ever given her into a cardboard box.

Ione came out of the kitchen with a plate of spaghetti. She saw her daughter carrying the box. "What's all that?"

Darcy's expression was neutral. "The engagement gifts Zane sent, and other things he's given me over the years."

"Why are you packing them away? The engagement is still a month off. Why the hurry?" Ione chuckled, setting down the plate, teasing her daughter.

She mistakenly thought Darcy was just excited.

Darcy knew the misunderstanding but didn't correct her. She silently carried the box into the storage room.

Her surgery is soon. She shouldn't get upset. I'll tell her the truth after she recovers.

After lunch, Darcy napped for two hours. When she woke up, she did some light exercise.

Her phone buzzed with a message from an alumni group.

This group was formed years ago by prospective graduate students who had received their acceptance letters. Everyone in it had been aiming for Professor Alistair Reed's program.

"Prof. Reed's birthday is next Saturday. DM me if you want to join."

Alistair was a giant in the field of financial engineering. He had been the professor Darcy intended to study under.

During her undergraduate studies, she'd had the chance to meet with him one-on-one. He was impressed with her and later guided her in applying for several patents.

The most notable one was the Automated Yield Curve Model.

Though most people assumed the patent belonged to Alistair, unaware of Darcy's key role.

He had admired her talent and actively recruited her.

"Come study under me. I guarantee you'll shine in the field of financial engineering in three years."

She applied and got in.

But before the semester started, Darcy tore up her acceptance letter to start SummitCore with Zane.

Alistair had tried to persuade her. "Get your master's first, then start your business. Your potential will be fully realized then."

But Darcy didn't listen. She was afraid that furthering her studies would drive a wedge between her and Zane. He was already distant. If one was in school and the other building a business, their relationship would surely fall apart.

Alistair felt regretful but said no more.

In the first few years after graduation, Darcy would send him holiday greetings. His replies were always brief. Eventually, she felt she was bothering him and stopped.

She really wanted to go to his birthday.

But she felt too ashamed.

Just as she was about to lock her phone, a private message popped up, "Darcy, I signed you up for Prof. Reed's birthday."

It was from the person who posted the message in the group—Bram Marsh, now Alistair's most accomplished doctoral student.

They had met during the admissions interview years ago; he was the one who added her to the group.

Bram was now Alistair's PhD student.

And the love she had chosen instead...

Darcy's eyes welled up. It took her a moment to reply, "Thank you, but I better not."

Mostly, she was afraid of disturbing Alistair and afraid to see disappointment on his face.

In her current state, she couldn't face him.

He seemed to see right through her. "No, you have to come. Prof. Reed mentions you often. He'd be happy to see you."

As if afraid she'd refuse, Bram quickly added, "It's settled. I signed you up. You must come."

Then, he sent her the time and address for the party.

A tear slid down her cheek. Darcy sniffled and silently added Alistair's birthday to her calendar.

...

The next day, Darcy helped her mother check into the hospital, then returned home to prepare for her new role.

Over two days, she thoroughly researched the Blackwood Group and its subsidiary, Stratagem Tech. She even drafted a three-year IPO plan for Stratagem.

On Monday morning, she was in Jethro's office with her proposal.

For two hours, he listened intently, nodding frequently, his appreciation evident.

But when Darcy suggested bidding for the Easemark Ventures project, a smile tugged at his lips.

He adjusted his cuff. "As I understand it, SummitCore Tech is also pursuing the Easemark project."

His subtext was clear.

Is it appropriate to so openly compete with your former company right away?

Darcy, however, was pragmatic.

Her expression remained neutral. "I do the job I'm hired to do. Besides, the Easemark tender is public. Anyone can bid. The best offer wins. Stratagem not bidding doesn't guarantee SummitCore's success, and us bidding doesn't mean they have no chance."

Jethro's smile widened. "Alright. I'm convinced. I'll have our pre-sales manager coordinate with you."

The pre-sales manager at Stratagem Tech was Cade Holt. He was young, a year younger than Darcy, with a bright, cheerful demeanor.

He knocked and entered. Darcy stood up to pour him a glass of water.

Jethro had already briefed him about Darcy's one-month trial, so Cade wasn't overly surprised to see her.

They quickly reached a preliminary consensus on bidding for the Easemark Ventures project.

Before the formal bid, they needed to meet with the client for a system demo to gauge mutual interest—a step often called pre-sales or Proof of Concept.

Darcy asked Cade to prepare the pre-sales materials, planning to visit Easemark Ventures in three days.

After wrapping up business, Cade took a sip of water.

He looked curious, seemingly wanting to ask something but hesitating.

Darcy smiled back at him. "Just ask. Don't strain yourself."

Called out, Cade flushed with embarrassment. He scratched his head and asked bluntly, "Ms. Gale, you were at SummitCore. Aren't you worried about making Mr. Vance angry by joining a direct competitor?"

He'd heard that Darcy was a veteran at SummitCore, there since the very beginning.

Rumors said their relationship was... special.

Darcy looked down with a faint smile.

Typical for someone in sales. Always tuned into the gossip.

"He won't be angry. I'm just a regular salesperson. SummitCore will run fine without me," she said, her voice flat.

Besides, with Zora there, why would Zane be angry? He probably wanted her gone so he could rekindle things with his old flame.

"Oh, I see." Cade scratched his head again. Maybe the intel was wrong?

Why would a fiancée join her fiancé's competitor?

Yeah, must just be a rumor.

...

In the conference room at SummitCore Tech's top floor, after presenting the details on Easemark Ventures, Zora smiled gracefully at her colleagues.

She then turned to Zane at the head of the table. "Mr. Vance, we must win the bid for the Easemark project. It's my first project here, and I hope I have your full support."

Zane nodded. "Of course. I consider this project crucial. We've already secured the largest financial firm in the northern market. Winning Easemark would mean hitting this year's targets ahead of schedule. After that, we can focus our efforts on the IPO."

SummitCore had always planned to go public. Their revenue and profits were insufficient a couple of years ago, but thanks to the efforts of Darcy's team, the company had landed several major projects, bringing in substantial income and profits.

With a final push, an IPO next year was achievable.

Hearing Zane's words, Zora smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Vance."

She was naturally beautiful, with an intellectual air that few women possessed. Her smile was utterly disarming.

Zane's Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he looked away.

He cleared his throat lightly into his hand, then scanned the room. "For the Easemark project, everyone is to fully support Dr. Moss," he commanded coolly.

The colleagues from R&D and Sales exchanged glances. No one spoke.

Zane frowned. "What is this? If anyone has objections, voice them now!"

He then shot a glare at Rex on his left.

Rex's heart sank. Oh no! He's blaming me for not handling this.

This is unfair! I talked to both departments privately. I told them not to disrespect Dr. Moss. Why are they flipping sides now?

Then again, can I blame them? A new leader is parachuted in out of the blue, takes over a project Ms. Gale was handling... who would feel good about that?

For a moment, the conference room was dead silent. Everyone kept their heads down.

Suddenly, someone stood up.

"Mr. Vance, Ms. Gale has been working on the Easemark project for a long time. She bid on it three years ago during their first public tender. We didn't win then. But for the past three years, she's maintained regular contact with their upper management. She had her sights set on this new tender."

The speaker was Faye Shaw, Darcy's assistant. Faye was a fresh graduate hired by Darcy herself and personally mentored by her. Everyone in the company knew they were close.

There was a time when even her supposed best friend, Kaia, had complained sourly behind her back that Darcy had found a new friend and forgotten the old one.

No one was surprised that Faye was speaking up for Darcy now.

Zane's face darkened. He gave Faye a dismissive look. "Regardless of who maintained the client, it's a company client. Since Darcy previously handled Easemark, as her assistant, you will compile and summarize all information from the last three years and send it to Dr. Moss."

Faye was stunned, her face turning pale. She bit her lip. "Ms. Gale hasn't resigned. Why isn't the Easemark project being assigned to her?"

Others had wanted to ask the same thing but lacked the courage.

Hearing Faye voice it, they looked at her with admiration.

"Faye? If I'm not mistaken, your name is Faye, right?" Zora gave her a calm smile.

"You've misunderstood. Mr. Vance assigned the project to me not to steal Ms. Gale's credit. We all see and remember her contributions to the company. No one will forget what she's done. It's just that she's been working tirelessly for years and deserves a break. I'll handle the project during her one-month leave. Once she returns, it will be handed back to her."

Faye and the other colleagues were taken aback.

Was that all?

Faye pouted. "Fine." She sat down reluctantly.

Zane's expression was still grim. He was about to reprimand her further when Zora gave him a gentle, reassuring blink.

The anger in his chest subsided considerably. After a moment of tight-lipped silence, he said, "Darcy is just a Director. I am the CEO of this company. I have the authority to make assignments."

When Darcy first joined, she was Zane's assistant. Later, she moved to R&D as an engineer. Two years ago, she transferred to Sales as a Sales Director.

Although her title was "Director," everyone understood she was the de facto second-in-command, right below Zane, and the presumed future VP.

Last month, rumors suggested she'd be promoted to VP upon returning from her business trip. No one expected Zora would get the position.

Hearing Zane's sharp words, everyone felt uneasy.

What did he mean by that?

A falling out with Darcy?

She's a founding employee. Everyone's seen how hard she's worked all these years. Is he sidelining her now?

Faye was furious, fuming and wanting to fight for Darcy. Other colleagues quickly pulled her away.

Outside the conference room, a senior colleague tried to calm her.

"We know you're close to Ms. Gale, but now isn't the time to speak up for her. Can't you see? Mr. Vance has issues with her right now."

Faye muttered under her breath, "What kind of bastard finds issues with someone who makes him money?!"

The others panicked, quickly covering her mouth. "You can't say things like that!"

Back at her desk, Faye grew angrier the more she thought about it. She couldn't help but send a message to Darcy.

Darcy, however, advised her, "Don't be impulsive. It's not worth getting upset over something like this. Keep an eye on the new VP. If she seems decent, you might consider showing your loyalty."

Faye was stunned. What did that mean?

Is Ms. Gale leaving? The realization hit her like a ton of bricks.

...

Inside the conference room, only Zane and Zora remained.

"You were too harsh earlier," Zora chided gently. "Darcy is a founding member who contributed so much. Talking like that will disillusion the old guards."

Now calmer, Zane also felt his tone had been too severe. But—

He looked at Zora. "If I hadn't been firm, the people under you might not obey you easily."

Zora burst out laughing. She looked lovely when she laughed, like a sunflower in full bloom.

"Zane, I think you need a refresher in management. Young people nowadays aren't easily cowed by a few harsh words. Don't worry, I'll win them over with my capabilities."

It was true. Zora was a PhD graduate from abroad. She was different from Darcy, who only had a bachelor's degree.

I was overthinking it.