Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption-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 come up.

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 troublesome to 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: some of 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. Some gasped.

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 name to 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: Welcome to 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 came back 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 time with 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 I 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. Some apologized for their earlier doubts. Others requested private meetings. Everyone wanted to be part of what had now clearly become a movement, not just a brand.

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.

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

He looked at the screen, still glowing with the last frame and 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 but not without informing the investors of the bonus from Lady Bright in celebration of the birth of J&D Global —partnership consideration.

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.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for witnessing this moment. Now, allow us to celebrate not only the rebirth of a company but the strength of the minds and hands that revived it. The next segment is a toast to endurance, legacy, and unity. Please raise your glasses."

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