Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption by Lilyheart

Chapter 244: A toast...

Jessica walked quietly back into the grand hall. The music had softened, and the lights glowed gently over the

large crowd of guests.

Several business investors and executives mingled with each other. Discussing business deals and setting up

new partnerships.

In the background, soft music floated as the MC was discussing with the manager the next show to cup.

But for Jessica, all these faded into insignificance as her sharp gaze moved across the room, observing the faces

in the crowd—flattery smiles, waiting ears and plotting minds. She sighed.

Once she reached her table, she sank into her seat with poise, her expression hidden but her fingers clasped

over another in contemplation of the next course of action to take.

After her confrontation with Tricia in the garden, she knew things might take a different turn at any point and

with the first rumour not clarified it might be more troublesto clarify later when another storm hits.

Tricia’s offer, her anger, and her insult were still fresh in Jessica's mind. She knew Tricia wouldn't take rejection

lightly, especially not after being exposed in her own game. But Jessica was no longer playing defensively, she

had a sense of resolution within her.

She picked up her champagne glass but didn’t drink. Instead, she scanned the faces seated at various tables.

A few notable investors, press members, and foreign dignitaries remained focused on the ongoing program,

others exchanged low whispers with their associates, quietly evaluating the situation.

But Jessica noticed something else: sof the new investors had begun to step in, holding the attention of key

guests, making conversation, and keeping the launch alive and steady.

That was good.

With the most pressing elements under temporary control, Jessica paused the final investment option she had in

mind. Timing, after all, was everything.

She tapped her phone and made a discreet call to one of her subordinates. "Is it ready?"

"Yes, ma'am. Everything is queued. We're waiting for your signal."

She ended the call and drafted a brief message to Ethan: "Anchor the next program, And everything about the

launch should be done tonight. We should finish off before the Watts."

She had thought it over completing the launch tonight will set the business in motion tomorrow while she waits

for Tricia’s actions.

Ethan, seated among the investors and executives, caught the buzz of his phone, quietly went through the

message then he looked across the hall and caught Jessica's eyes.

A brief nod passed between them. Within minutes, he stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand. The crowd

turned their attention to him.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said with a smile. "Thank you for being with us tonight. As part of the gala, we would

like to take you on a short journey. A story. The true story of J&D Globals — where we began, how far we've

come, and what we stand for."

The lights dimmed. A hush fell over the ballroom. The projector screen lowered slowly as the instrumental music

transitioned into something more cinematic.

Guests paused their discussions and actions to lean forward and watch the scene that began rolling out as the

screen flickered to life.

It began with a haunting silence.

The first scene showed the old building — broken gates, rusty signs, weeds growing around. The company was in

ruins. The audience went silent. Sgasped.

Next, the manager walking through the empty hallways, checking rooms with broken furniture and smashed

equipment and another voice heard but the image never shown.

The film showed the hard work of bringing the company back to life — new paint, fresh signs, engineers fixing

computers, builders restoring walls, and designers setting up their desks.

Then, a scene appeared with Jessica, her face concealed but her back familiar to the guest. She wore a simple

outfit, hard at work with the design team.

She helped select colors, arranged furniture, corrected drawings, and led meetings with the staff. She was not

just a guest. She was a part of the process.

The camera showed her through different rooms, offering advice, answering questions, and inspiring the

workers.

The next was a voice narrating the incident that led to the fall of the group making it clear, it was never taken

away from the parent company but had only been given a new nto retell its story.

Finally, the video ended with the now fully restored J&D Globals building — beautiful, shining, alive. And over it,

words appeared on the screen: Welcto the new face of Allen Group—JD GLOBALS

The hall remained silent for a second longer, as if collectively holding its breath. Then applause erupted as

whispers rippled through the crowd.

The lights cback on.

Jessica sat still, her eyes forward, her demeanor calm.

Across the hall, reporters scrambled to document what they had just witnessed. Photographers began snapping

pictures again, this twith renewed energy. A few investors who had previously stepped back could be seen

quietly discussing returns.

Tricia, seated two tables away, looked pale. Her earlier confidence had turned brittle.

She hadn’t expected this move from them.

She didn’t expect them to give a note over their accusations as well as the evidence of the previous company’s

financial records displayed and its audit certification to the last date of existence brought to view.

Bernard Luke made his way to Jessica’s table, extending a hand.

"Lady Bright," he said, his voice warm with admiration. "I look forward to our partnership and | will be investing

in J&D with you integrity."

Jessica stood and shook his hand with a smile. "You won't regret this choice."

One by one, other executives and

investors followed. Sapologized

for their earlier dovlgts( Others’ !

requested Grate meetings.

Everyone wanted to be part of what

had now clearly beca

movement, not just a brand. The

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the latest chapter there!

Tricia didn’t expect that the investors she had managed to poach will turn around only to return to Lady Bright.

Davis watching the scene and footage well selected marveled. "It seems she has planned this ahead of time." He

murmured.

Their eyes met.

He paused, then slowly approached. The crowd around her made way as he reached her side.

"Thanks," he said softly as he shook her hand.

"| think the logo should be unveiled tonight," she replied.

He looked at the screen, still glowing with the last frand nodded. He didn’t know why but he had the feeling

that she had something in her mind.

Ethan noting the signal quickly

instructed the M.C. to go through the

unveiling process put aot Vatholt"

informing the‘investors of the bonus

from Lady Bright in celebration of the

birth of J&D Global —partnership

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chapter there!

At the mention of the bonus, several other reluctant Investors left their seats. They wouldn't want to miss this

chance.

Ethan returned to the stage after the unveiling which was paused to attend to investors.

I" :

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for

witnessing this moment. Now, allow

us to celebrate ol Qyherebin of

ACTEM Gre rength of the

inds and hands that revived it. The

next segment is a toast to

endurance, legacy, and unity. Please

3 | " h g

raise your glasses. The content is on

novelenglish.net! Read the latest

chapter there!

Glasses were raised, and toasts were made, as every investor hoped for a promising return on their investment.