Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth

Illusions Shattered

Chapter 9: Illusions Shattered

The manager had barely stepped out of the banquet hall when the air inside began to thrum with excitement. Jane, glowing with pride, sat at the center of attention as guests flocked to her and Bobby.

“Ms. Jane, I must say, this is such an impressive feat!” a woman in a burgundy gown gushed. “Collaborating with the Nelson family—do you know how rare that is? You’re truly remarkable!”

Another man, dressed in a tailored navy suit, nodded eagerly. “You’re a visionary, Ms. Jane. Your company is destined to soar after this deal. I wouldn’t be surprised if you became one of the top players in the industry.”

Jane’s lips curved into a self-satisfied smile. “Thank you, everyone. It wasn’t easy, but I believe hard work and persistence always pay off. And of course, having the right people around helps immensely.” She glanced at Bobby, her eyes softening.

“Absolutely!” a third guest chimed in.

One older gentleman raised his glass. “A toast to Ms. Jane’s brilliance.”

In fact, they were complimenting Jane, hoping to get to know someone from the Nelson family through her.

The room buzzed with a celebratory atmosphere as Jane soaked in the flattering attention from her guests. She sat poised in her chair, exuding confidence and satisfaction. For the first time in years, she felt truly seen—admired even—something Dylan had never made her feel.

."

“When I was with Dylan, I was nothing but a shadow—a nobody. All I ever heard was how I wasn’t good enough or how I’d never amount to anything. But look at me now." She smiled to herself as she glanced at Bobby, who stood proudly by her side. “Bobby understands my worth. With him, I’m finally living the life I deserve

One of the guests, a younger woman with a curious expression, hesitated before breaking through the sea of compliments. “Ms. Jane, I’ve been wondering… Who is this gentleman by your side?”

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Bobby.

Jane stiffened slightly but quickly regained her composure. She couldn’t announce her divorce from Dylan outright—not on the eve of her company’s listing. The revelation might cast a shadow over her credibility as a businesswoman. But then a thought struck her: Bobby was so capable, so resourceful, that he could help her through any challenges that came her way.

Jane’s smile widened as she linked her arm with Bobby’s. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she began, her voice brimming with pride, “I suppose it’s time to officially introduce someone very important to me.”

Bobby straightened, his confidence returning as he basked in the attention.

“As many of you know, I was married to Dylan,” Jane continued, her tone shifting to one of practiced regret. “But unfortunately, that chapter of my life has come to an end. Dylan and I divorced some time ago.” She paused, gauging the room’s reaction. There were a few murmurs, but no one interrupted.

“And now,” Jane said, her voice brightening, “I am proud to say that Bobby is not only my partner in life but also the one who helped secure this groundbreaking cooperation with the Nelson family.”

A few guests clapped politely, while others whispered amongst themselves.

“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised,” a woman in a navy-blue dress whispered to her companion. “That Dylan guy was always so plain. He’s not in the same league as Jane.”

“Absolutely,” another man chimed in. “She’s better off without him. And this Bobby fellow? He seems much more… capable.”

Someone else added with a snicker, “I’d say Dylan was dead weight. Good riddance.”

Jane felt a rush of satisfaction as she listened to the murmured disparagement of Dylan. For years, she had lived under his shadow, but now, she was the star of the show. Her heart swelled as the clapping grew louder, even if the atmosphere remained a bit awkward.

“This is what I’ve been missing all my life—recognition, admiration. With Bobby by my side, I’ll climb even higher. Dylan? He’s nothing but a stepping stone in my past."

The applause was interrupted when the grand double doors of the banquet hall swung open. Several journalists and photographers walked in, cameras flashing as they approached Jane.

“Ms. Jane!” one journalist called out excitedly. “We heard about the collaboration between your company and the Nelson family. This is huge news! Can we get an exclusive?”

Jane’s smile grew brighter. She had orchestrated this perfectly, arranging for the media to document her triumph. Guests around her murmured in awe.

Another reporter added, “This partnership could make waves in the industry. We’d like to cover it in detail—if you don’t mind!”

Jane’s face lit up with feigned modesty. “Of course,” she said, smoothing her dress and standing up. “I’d be honored to share this wonderful milestone with all of you. Please, take your seats, and I’ll begin.”

“This is incredible!” someone exclaimed.

“This will be all over the papers tomorrow!” another guest murmured, visibly impressed.

Jane stood at the front of the room, her head held high as she addressed the crowd.

“Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate this momentous occasion,” she began. “The cooperation between my company and the prestigious Nelson family is a testament to hard work, vision, and, of course, having the right partners by your side.” She glanced lovingly at Bobby as she spoke.

Flashes went off as photographers captured her poised figure. Jane’s voice grew more animated as she continued. “I’d like to thank my team, my investors, and of course, Bobby, for making this possible. Together, we’re setting a precedent for excellence and innovation.”

“This partnership marks the beginning of a new era for my company,” Jane continued. “With the Nelson family’s support, we are poised to achieve incredible success. I couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds!”

The room erupted in applause, and Jane beamed, basking in the admiration of her peers. She had carefully orchestrated this moment, and it was unfolding perfectly.

But just as she was about to continue, the doors to the banquet hall opened again. This time, it was the manager of the Nelson family’s business who had just left earlier—Mr. Carter Reed—who entered the room.

The cheerful atmosphere in the hall dimmed as everyone noticed his grim expression. Jane, however, greeted him with a bright smile, determined to maintain her composure.

“Mr. Reed!” she called out warmly. “What a pleasant surprise! Come, join us and say a few words about this exciting collaboration.”

Carter Reed didn’t move to the podium. Instead, he stopped a few steps away from Jane, his face ashen.

“Ms. Jane,” he said coldly, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. “I’m afraid you’ve been celebrating too soon.”

The room fell silent.

Jane’s smile faltered. “What… what do you mean?” she asked, her voice wavering.

Carter’s eyes narrowed. “The cooperation between the Nelson family and your company has been canceled—effective immediately.”