Once Downtrodden; Now Divine

Chapter 2

Donald Smith turned the black gold card in his hand.

Only four such cards existed in all of Boston, and each one was worth one trillion dollars.

One trillion was a fortune powerful enough to topple dynasties or raise new ones in their place.

Beside it lay the Phoenix Ring.

The ring wasn’t just jewelry, it was the Chairman’s symbol and the key to his empire.

It gave him influence from Boston’s politicians to West Coast business leaders, and even into the dangerous underworld no one dared mention.

"Just remember one thing," the Chairman's gaze was piercing, "taking possession of a symbol of power doesn't mean you've actually mastered that power. Only with thorough preparation can the ring truly serve you."

"In other words, it's best not to let anyone know you have the ring right now—not until you're strong enough to protect it."

Donald pondered this for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Understood, master."

"As it happens, I've got something for you to do that isn't too difficult," the Chairman said with a cough. The warden immediately entered, looking at Donald with a mixture of respect and unease. "The warden's daughter is in danger right now. Go help her out."

"Young Master, please save my daughter!" The warden's voice was pleading. "Someone's got their sights on her. I'm begging you, please help her!"

Donald stunned for a moment, then his eyes narrowed.

The warden's daughter is actually the head of one of Boston's three most powerful families, running the city's top-tier corporation, the DeGrand Group. For the warden to be pleading like this, the trouble must be serious.

By appointing him to handle this crisis, the Chairman clearly wanted him to become DeGrand CEO's savior, thereby giving him access to all her authority and allowing him to first establish a solid foothold in Boston.

"Fine," Donald said coolly. "Your daughter will have my protection."

---

Across town, in the luxury car, when Jaxon Brown's hand rubbed vigorously on Jane Wilson's plump chest, she let out a sigh mixed with pain and flattery.

“Jaxon,” she said sweetly, “I told you already, didn’t I? I’ve cut off that useless freeloader, Donald. I've signed the divorce papers. He’s finished.”

Jaxon’s lips curled into a cruel smirk, pleased by her obedience.

“Good. That dead weight would have only chained you to failure. You were wise to throw him away.”

He leaned in.

“Now that you’ve finally cut ties with that trash, we can visit DeGrand Corporation together as a couple. It’ll speed things up.

We’ll discuss cooperation, and I’m confident this time will be different. If all goes well, your family will finally know what it means to stand in the shadow of real power.”

Jane gasped for joy.

Even among Boston’s elite, DeGrand Corporation's name rang louder than Jaxon’s own family company.

If they could become partners, her rise would be unstoppable!

She was glad that she had played her cards perfectly.

That loser Donald could never have given her this. Never!

By the time the car rolled into DeGrand’s imposing headquarters, Jane’s confidence was radiating like a fragrance that filled the air around her.

She clung to Jaxon’s arm as they walked through the gleaming glass doors.

At the reception desk, Jaxon signed their names into the registry.

And then, Jane froze as soon as she looked towards the waiting area.

There, seated casually in a leather chair, was Donald Smith.

Her breath caught.

"My goodness! How the hell am I running into him after the divorce! Just my fucking luck." She muttered in disgust, ready to drag Jaxon to the other side.

After all, she had just told Donald that she framed him, and she couldn't be sure he wouldn't react violently if he saw her.

But then Jaxon pressed a hand on her shoulder, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"Darling, I don't think this is about luck. Think about it."

He stared at Donald for a moment, lips curling: "How does a lowlife like him have any business in DeGrand, let alone running into you here by chance? No, no, no—he's one hundred percent here specifically for you. You're Boston's rising star, and he's a freshly released loser."

"Even though you decisively divorced him, do you really think he'd accept it? That he wouldn't want to grovel and beg you to take him back? I bet wherever you show up, he'll follow like a shadow."

He clicked his tongue: "Don't let him fool you sitting there pretending to rest—he's probably glancing at you sixty times a minute, just waiting for you to notice him, pity him, take him back, and let him share your money and success!"

Jaxon's taunting made Jane flush with shame and anger. How dare that loser Donald shamelessly cling to her? If it affected Jaxon's opinion of her, even Donald killing himself wouldn't be enough to make amends!

Jane detached herself from Jaxon and hurried toward Donald, her heels echoing in sharp, clipped beats.

"Donald?" She stared at him incredulously: "What the hell are you doing here? This is DeGrand Corporation. Men like you don't even deserve to sweep the floors here."

She let out a sharp, grating laugh of contempt that drew stares from everyone around. Then she glared daggers at him.

"Don't tell me you actually followed me here, pathetic enough to beg for me to return?"