Adrian Carter's Silent Dominance

CHAPTER 9

As the manager left the banquet hall, the other people inside quickly gathered around Vanessa and Charles.

Glasses clinked softly as people shifted closer, forming a loose circle around Vanessa.

The elegant music in the background was livelier now, almost celebratory, matching the mood of the crowd.

Several guests moved closer, glasses in hand, their expressions full of enthusiasm.

“Vanesaa,” one man said warmly, lifting his glass slightly toward her, “this cooperation with the Rand family is truly impressive. Not many people have that kind of opportunity.”

“Yes, exactly,” another person chimed in quickly, nodding repeatedly. “Your company has really risen fast these past months. We’ve all been watching closely.”

A woman beside him smiled politely. “I heard your company is about to be listed. With the Rand family backing you, your future is basically guaranteed.”

Others nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with calculation rather than pure admiration.

“If possible,” someone added with a light laugh, deliberately lowering his voice, “maybe you could introduce us to someone from the Rand family someday. Even a brief meeting would be an honor.”

The words were casual, but the intent behind them was obvious.

Vanessa listened, her smile growing brighter with every word.

She accepted the praise calmly, but inside, her heart was swelling.

She felt immense satisfaction.

A sense of recognition she had never truly experienced before.

This feeling had been impossible when she was with Adrian.

Back then, no matter how hard she worked, people always asked about him.

About her marriage.

About why her husband never showed up to important events.

Sometimes they didn’t even bother hiding their curiosity.

Sometimes they smiled politely while their eyes carried judgment.

Now, standing here, surrounded by admiration and envy, she felt light.

Powerful.

Charles sat calmly at her side, occasionally nodding, occasionally smiling faintly when someone addressed him.

His relaxed posture only made him look more confident.

Suddenly, a curious voice rose from the crowd.

“Vanessa,” a woman asked carefully, her tone probing, “may I ask… who is this gentleman?”

Her gaze landed on Charles.

The room quieted slightly.

All eyes shifted in the same direction.

Vanessa's smile froze for a brief moment.

She hesitated.

Announcing her divorce on the eve of the company’s listing wasn’t ideal.

It could raise questions. It could cause instability.

Rumors spread faster than facts in their circle.

For a split second, doubt flickered in her eyes.

She thought of the board members and how fragile public confidence could be.

But then, she thought of Charles.

Thought of how capable he was, how confident he is and how well-connected he is.

He had helped her contact the Rand family.

If any trouble arose, he would surely help her through it.

Her hesitation disappeared.

Vanessa smiled again, this time brighter than before, as if she had already made peace with her decision.

She reached out and linked her arm naturally with Charles’, leaning slightly toward him in an intimate gesture that left no room for misunderstanding.

“This,” she said clearly, her voice steady, “is Charles Monroe.”

Charles straightened subtly, enjoying the attention.

His chin lifted slightly, his expression proud.

Vanessa continued, her tone calm and confident, as if she were stating an obvious fact.

“I’ve already divorced my ex-husband,” she said. “Charles is now my boyfriend.”

A soft murmur rippled through the room.

There was a brief stir in the crowd—some surprised, some curious, some clearly excited by the news.

She didn’t stop.

“He’s also the one who helped me establish contact with the Rand family,” Vanessa added proudly, tightening her grip on Charles’ arm just a little.

For a moment, the atmosphere turned a bit awkward.

Some guests exchanged looks.

Others raised their eyebrows, clearly surprised by how straightforward she was.

But soon—

Polite applause broke out.

“Well done,” someone said, clapping lightly.

 “You made the right choice.”

“Yes,” another added, nodding approvingly. “Divorcing that man was long overdue.”

A few people even laughed lightly, their voices filled with disdain rather than humor.

“That Adrian really dragged you down.”

 “You deserve someone much better.”

Charles smiled modestly, as if embarrassed by the praise, though satisfaction showed in his eyes.

Vanessa listened to every word.

She felt happy.

She enjoyed being flattered like this.

Enjoyed the way people praised her decision and belittled Adrian at the same time.

It made her feel validated. Justified.

Her smile never faded.

At that moment, the banquet hall door opened.

Several journalists and photographers walked in, cameras already raised, their movements swift and professional.

Their arrival caused an instant stir.

Whispers spread rapidly across the hall.

People instinctively straightened their backs.

“Miss Vanessa,” one of the journalists said excitedly, stepping forward, “we heard that the cooperation between you and the Rand family is big news.”

“Yes,” another added quickly, already adjusting his camera angle, “we’ll be covering this collaboration throughout. This is definitely headline material.”

Flashes went off immediately, bright and frequent.

In truth, they had all been arranged by Vanessa in advance.

She had planned this moment carefully.

The exposure. The attention.

But the people around her didn’t know that.

They exclaimed in amazement.

“Journalists already?”

 “As expected of the Rand family.”

 “This cooperation must be huge.”

Vanessa felt a rush of pride surge through her chest.

She straightened her clothes subtly, smoothing the fabric, then adjusted her posture and stepped forward with confidence.

Facing the cameras, she smiled graciously, the kind of smile she had practiced countless times in front of a mirror.

“I’m very honored,” Vanessa said clearly, her voice carrying well through the hall, “and very happy to cooperate with the Rand family.”

Her voice was steady, calm, and professional.

“This cooperation marks a new chapter for our company,” she continued, speaking fluently, “and I believe it will bring great value to both sides.”

The photographers snapped pictures nonstop.

The flashes reflected off the crystal glasses and polished floor, making the entire scene feel unreal, almost dazzling.

The room was filled with admiration and excitement.

Just then—

The banquet hall door opened once more.

A man walked in.

The moment people recognized him, conversations stopped abruptly, as if someone had pressed a mute button.

It was the manager of the Rand family.

All eyes turned toward him instantly.

Vanessa's heart leapt with excitement.

She smiled broadly and stepped forward, her voice warm and welcoming, already imagining how impressive this moment would look in tomorrow’s headlines.

“You’re back,” she said. “Please, come. Everyone’s been waiting.”

She gestured politely toward the center of the hall, inviting him forward.

“Why don’t you say a few words?”

The manager didn’t smile.

His face was ashen, his expression stiff and tense.

He looked at Vanessa coldly, his eyes devoid of warmth or courtesy.

Then he spoke.

“Miss Vanessa,” he said flatly, “you’re too happy too soon.”

The hall went completely silent.

Every smile froze.

“The cooperation between the Rand family and your company,” he continued, his voice merciless, “has been canceled.”