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Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth 19
19Helen didn’t flinch. She simply stared at Mrs. Carter, her expression unreadable for a long, tense moment. Then, with a soft sigh, she stepped closer, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement until she stood mere inches from the other woman.“You’re right about one thing,” Helen murmured, her voice soft but laced with venom. “I do have high standards. Which is why I don’t waste my time explaining myself to insecure, miserable women who can’t stand seeing someone else succeed.”Mrs. Carter’s smirk wavered.“But just so we’re clear,” Helen continued, her tone sharpening like a blade, “I don’t need a man to buy me anything. That car? It’s mine. Paid for in full. And as for performances?” She arched an eyebrow, letting the words hang in the air. “The only performance I see here is you, pretending to be something more than a petty bully.”The color drained from Mrs. Carter’s face, her mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air. The crowd was silent now, every eye glued
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20 The middle-aged woman’s venomous words hung in the air like a toxic cloud. For a split second, the crowd held their breath, unsure of what would come next. But then, Mrs. Carter’s eyes gleamed with malicious satisfaction, her lips curling into a sneer as she pivoted toward Dylan. “And you,” she spat, her voice oozing disdain, “what kind of man are you? Hiding behind your prostitute girlfriend just to scrape together some dignity?” Laughter erupted from the crowd. Sharp, mocking, and relentless. The kind of laughter that felt like knives digging into flesh. Some parents even doubled over, clutching their sides as if Mrs. Carter had just delivered the joke of the century. Others exchanged knowing glances, their eyes gleaming with cruel delight. The playground, once filled with the innocent chatter of children, now echoed with the harsh, hyena-like cackles of adults reveling in someone else’s humiliation. Dylan remained still. His hands stayed buried in his pockets, his face an un
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21The crowd was frozen, staring in stunned silence. All eyes shifted to Dylan, who hadn’t moved an inch. He raised an eyebrow, the ghost of a smirk playing on his lips.“That would be me,” Dylan said coolly.The man’s reaction was immediate—and shocking. He straightened up as much as his heaving chest would allow, then bowed deeply at the waist, his voice trembling with respect and fear.“Mr. Dylan, I-I’m sorry for the delay. Please forgive me!”The crowd gasped as if they were watching a magician pull off an impossible trick. The middle-aged woman, Mrs. Carter, gawked at the scene unfolding in front of her, her jaw practically hitting the ground. Mrs. Parker, the teacher who’d just moments ago puffed herself up with false authority, blinked rapidly, her face flushing a deep crimson. The confident sneers they’d worn so proudly had evaporated into stunned silence.The man in the suit straightened up, his breathing still ragged, but his posture was all deference as he turned to Dylan
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22Mrs. Carter’s mouth hung open for a heartbeat before she snapped it shut with an audible click. Then, her voice rang out, sharp and shrill, cutting through the tense silence.“This is unfair!” she screeched, stomping her foot like a child throwing a tantrum. “You can’t just expel my son because this nobody says so! Who do you think you are?”Principal Thompson straightened, his face devoid of any sympathy. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable authority. “Mrs. Carter,” he said solemnly, “Mr. Dylan isn’t just anybody. He’s the new owner of this kindergarten. As of this morning, he has full authority over all administrative decisions—including staff terminations and student expulsions.”BOOM!The words hit the crowd like a bomb.A collective gasp echoed around the courtyard. Parents and teachers alike exchanged stunned glances, their previous mockery melting into wide-eyed disbelief. It was as if the air had been sucked out of the space, leaving only shock in its wake.“Wait…
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23Mrs. Carter’s phone buzzed violently in her trembling hand, the screen flashing with Husband Calling. For a brief moment, a smug grin flickered across her furious face. She snatched up the call, turning her back to the crowd with exaggerated flair, ready to unleash her fury.“Darling!” she snapped, her voice dripping with indignation. “You won’t believe what these people are doing to our son! That damn principal—”But she didn’t get the chance to finish.Her husband’s voice exploded through the speaker, loud enough for those nearest to her to hear. “What the hell did you do, Amanda?!”Mrs. Carter blinked, her mouth falling open in confusion. “W-What do you mean, what did I do? I’m telling you what they—”“I DON’T CARE!” he roared, his voice cracking with fury. “Do you have any idea who you’ve messed with? I just got fired from Luxe Dynamics! FIRED! Effective immediately! No explanation, no nothing! They said it was your fault!”The color drained from Mrs. Carter’s face faster than
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24Principal Thompson cleared his throat, trying to regain some semblance of control over the crowd, but even he couldn’t hide the slight tremor in his voice. “I believe this matter is settled,” he announced, though his eyes flickered nervously to Dylan, silently seeking confirmation.Dylan gave a slow, almost imperceptible nod, his expression still unreadable.Mr. Thompson glanced down at Mrs. Carter, who was still crumpled on the ground, and then at the brat, who was now hiccuping between sobs. “I suggest you both leave the premises immediately.”Mrs. Carter didn’t move. She just stared blankly at the ground, her mind clearly struggling to process the ruin that had unfolded in mere minutes.Mrs. Carter, still collapsed on the ground, suddenly let out a guttural sob. She snatched up her phone, her fingers trembling so badly she could barely hold it.“I’ll fix this!” she wailed, more to herself than anyone else. “I’ll fix this, I swear!” But her husband’s furious voice still echoed in
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25Once they were gone, the tension in the room seemed to lift—though unease still lingered.The teacher, Ms. Parker, still on the ground, clutched her clipboard tightly as her face drained of color. She looked up at Principal Thompson, her lips trembling. “Sir, please! I—I wasn’t part of this. I just… I just—”“You laughed along,” Dylan said smoothly, his tone devoid of sympathy.Ms. Parker’s breathing hitched. “I—I was just caught up in the moment! I didn’t mean any harm! Please, Mr. Dylan, I need this job—”Principal Thompson pinched the bridge of his nose, his exhaustion evident. “Guards,” he sighed, “escort her out as well.”“No! Wait!” Ms. Parker shrieked, scrambling to her knees. She reached desperately for Principal Thompson’s pant leg, but he took a step back, looking disgusted. “Please, I’ll do anything! I’ll apologize—I’ll—”Her pleas fell on deaf ears. The guards stepped forward, towering over her. One reached down, gripping her by the arm.She kicked and struggled, her cl
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26 As Molly disappeared into the school building with Principal Thompson, the crowd that had gathered outside the kindergarten courtyard finally began to disperse. Parents whispered among themselves, teachers exchanged uneasy glances, and some of the onlookers hurried away, eager to put distance between themselves and the scene that had just unfolded. Helen let out a slow breath, glancing around before turning to Dylan. “Well,” she said, attempting to sound casual, though her voice wavered slightly. “I guess we should leave too.” Dylan didn’t respond immediately. He stood still, his sharp gaze sweeping over the remaining people, ensuring that none of them dared to linger unnecessarily. His presence alone was enough to make them uneasy—like an unspoken command for them to move along. Helen shifted on her feet, stealing a glance at him. She had never seen him like this before—so powerful, so untouchable. It was one thing to know that Dylan had influence, but it was another to wit
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109Olivia, noticing his reaction, followed his gaze toward the entrance.Then, her expression changed. She looked at him very intrigued.The air between them grew taut, the lighthearted conversation from moments ago forgotten.The restaurant noise faded into the background, leaving only the sound of Dylan’s steady, controlled breathing.Because standing at the entrance, scanning the restaurant with sharp eyes, was the last person he wanted to see tonight.Dylan’s fingers curled around the stem of his wine glass as the door clicked open. His gaze lifted instinctively, and the moment he saw who had just walked in, he felt his entire body tense.Helen.And right beside her, a massive, broad-shouldered man—Bobby.Dylan cursed under his breath. If he even had luck, it was the worst kind. Of all the people in this city, of all the restaurants, why did she have to come here? And with him?Helen was stunning as always, her dress hugging her slender frame, blonde hair styled to perfection. Sh
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108 Celeste Restaurant – A Night of RevelationsDylan’s gaze remained steady on Olivia as she fixed him with an expectant stare, waiting for his response. Her question about Lucas lingered between them, the air suddenly thick with unspoken tension.He exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair. “Honestly, Olivia, I don’t know much about him.” His voice was even, but there was an undertone of exasperation. “In fact, shouldn’t you be the one telling me about him?”Olivia arched a brow. “Me?”“Yes, you,” Dylan said pointedly. “You’re the one who knows him, grew up with him. If anything, I should be the one asking you.”She tilted her head, lips pressing together before she gave a small chuckle. “You have a point.” Then, her expression shifted, turning sharper. “But you were also the one who accused him of poisoning me and Odile.”Dylan didn’t deny it. “I didn’t accuse him outright,” he corrected. “I just assumed—based on his behavior. He seemed off, weird, always lurking around. It felt
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107 Dylan stepped into his garage, his gaze flicking over the sleek vehicles parked inside. His prized black sports car gleamed under the dim lighting, but tonight, he wasn’t in the mood for attention. Instead, he opted for his dark gray sedan—simple, understated, and exactly what he needed.Sliding into the driver’s seat, he exhaled and started the engine. As he pulled out of the driveway, his thoughts drifted back to Helen. The look in her eyes before he left… was that disappointment? Jealousy? Or was he just imagining things?He shook his head. Focus, Dylan. It’s just dinner.The drive was smooth, city lights reflecting off his windshield as he navigated through the streets. It wasn’t long before he pulled up in front of Celeste, an upscale yet intimate restaurant known for its ambient lighting and gourmet cuisine. He handed his keys to the valet, adjusting the cuff of his shirt as he walked inside.The warm golden glow of chandeliers bathed the restaurant in a soft, inviting ligh
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106A Tense Dinner InvitationDylan adjusted his cufflinks, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. His navy-blue dress shirt fit snugly against his lean frame, and the polished watch on his wrist gleamed under the warm bedroom light. He ran a hand through his neatly styled dark hair, making sure everything was in place.His phone buzzed on the dresser. He reached for it, recognizing Olivia’s name on the screen.“Hey,” he answered.“You better not be backing out,” Olivia teased, her voice carrying a playful edge. “I even got a nice dress for tonight.”Dylan chuckled, buttoning the last cuff. “Relax, I’m on schedule.”“Good.” She sounded satisfied. “I’ll see you at the restaurant at eight. Don’t be late, Dylan.”Before he could respond, the call ended. He let out a short sigh, shaking his head. Tonight was going to be… interesting.A soft knock at his bedroom door broke his thoughts.“Daddy?”Dylan turned to see his six-year-old daughter, Molly, peeking in with wide, curious eyes. Th
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105 Lydia immediately noticed. “Oh my God, speak of the devil.” She practically bounced in her seat. “Answer it! Answer it right now!”Jane shot her a look but picked up the phone anyway. “Bobby?”“Jane.” His deep voice sent a shiver down her spine.Lydia silently squealed, shaking Jane’s arm excitedly. Jane swatted her away, trying to focus.Bobby chuckled. “Hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”“No, not at all,” Jane said smoothly.“Good.” His voice was warm, confident. “I was wondering if you’d join me for dinner tonight.”Jane’s lips curled into a smile. “Dinner?”“Yes.” A pause. Then, with amusement, he added, “Unless you have better plans?”Lydia practically jumped in her seat, mouthing Say yes! Say yes!Jane smirked. “I think I can fit you into my schedule.”Bobby chuckled. “Glad to hear it. I’ll send my driver to pick you up at seven.”“Sounds perfect.”“I’ll see you tonight, then.”“You will,” Jane said, and with that, the call ended.Lydia erupted.“OH MY GOD!” She grab
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104 Lydia leaned forward, her expression serious. “Jane, you have to stop letting them walk all over you. I get that you don’t want to show weakness, but at some point, enough is enough.” Jane let out a dry chuckle. “Tell that to my mother. She could squeeze money out of a rock.” Lydia smirked. “Sounds like you learned from the best.” Jane rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. A tense silence settled between them again. Then Lydia spoke, her voice gentler this time. “Look, I know you don’t want to hear this, but you need to start thinking long-term. If things keep going the way they are… you won’t be able to keep up this façade forever.” Jane’s stomach twisted at the thought. She had spent years building her empire, clawing her way to the top. The idea of losing it all—of failing—was unbearable. “I won’t let it come to that,” she said firmly. Lydia studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. Then we fight back.” Jane met her gaze, a fire rekindling in her eyes. “Damn right
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103Jane’s phone buzzed on her desk, shattering the tense silence that had settled between her and Lydia. She let out an exasperated sigh, already dreading whoever was on the other end. Without even looking at the screen, she reached for the device and answered in a clipped tone.“What?”A dramatic gasp sounded from the other end. “Is that any way to greet your mother, Jane?”Jane clenched her jaw, pressing her fingers against her temple. “Mother.” Her voice was flat, void of any warmth. “What do you want?”Her mother, Linda Cooper, clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Oh, so now I have to want something just to call my own daughter? Maybe I just missed you, Jane. Maybe I was worried because I haven’t seen you since yesterday.”Jane rolled her eyes. Missed me? Worried? Please. The only time her mother reached out was when she needed something—money, favors, connections. There was no maternal affection behind these calls.“I’ve been busy,” Jane said curtly.“Yes, yes, always so busy wit
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Chapter 102: A Series of Unfortunate LossesA week had passed, and Jane’s life was unraveling faster than she could comprehend.She stood in her office, staring blankly at the email on her laptop screen. Another contract. Another deal slipping through her fingers.Subject: Contract Termination NoticeDear Ms. Cooper,We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, we must withdraw from our partnership with Cooper Enterprises. While we appreciate your business, recent developments have led us to reconsider our position. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.—Wellsworth & Pierce InvestmentsJane’s fingers tightened into fists, her nails digging into her palms. She read the email again. And again. It didn’t change. It was real.“Those bastards,” she seethed, slamming the laptop shut with a sharp thud. “What the hell is going on?”Lydia, her lawyer and closest friend, leaned against the edge of Jane’s desk, arms crossed. “Jane, I know you’re upset—”“Upset?” Jane sh
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101 Molly looked up as soon as she heard the door open, her eyes lighting up the moment they met his. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, but there was a weariness in her expression that tore at his heart. She had been waiting far too long.“Papa!” she cried, her voice sweet and high-pitched, the kind of sound that always made his heart swell. She jumped up from the bench and rushed toward him, her little feet pattering on the floor.Dylan’s breath caught in his throat as he knelt down to meet her. He scooped her up into his arms without hesitation, holding her close against him.“I’m so sorry, baby,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I didn’t mean to be late. I promise, I won’t let it happen again.”Molly wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him as though she hadn’t seen him in years. “I knew you’d come, Papa,” she murmured sleepily, her voice muffled against his shoulder.Dylan’s heart broke at the words. He hadn’t realized how much she needed him. How m
