Rise Of The Phoenix: Dylan’s Rebirth

The Calm Before the Storm

Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm

The crash of dishes had finally stopped. Jane stormed to her room, slamming the door behind her with a thunderous bang. She grabbed her phone with trembling hands and dialed a number.

The person answered on the second ring, their voice smooth and confident. “Jane, darling, what’s wrong? You sound furious.”

It was Lisa Powell, her best friend and a sharp-tongued lawyer.

“It’s Dylan!” Jane hissed. “He asked for a divorce tonight!”

Lisa’s laughter rang through the phone. “Well, it’s about time. I always told you he wasn’t good enough for you. What happened this time?”

Jane recounted the evening, her voice thick with frustration. “Can you believe it? He sat there with his pathetic little dinner, pretending like everything was fine! And when I told him the truth—that he’s been dragging me down—he suddenly wants to walk away!”

Lisa’s tone turned sharp. “He wants a divorce now? How convenient. Right when your company is about to sign with the Nelson family. I bet he’s after your money.”

Jane froze, her grip tightening on the phone. “You think so?”

“Think about it,” Lisa said smoothly. “You’ve worked your fingers to the bone to build your company. And now that it’s about to become a powerhouse, Dylan, the so-called ‘househusband,’ suddenly decides to leave? It’s too suspicious. But don’t worry, Jane. I’ll handle him. He won’t get a penny.”

Jane’s face hardened. “You’re right. He’s trying to take what I’ve earned. Tomorrow’s deal with the Nelson family will double my company’s value. I won’t let him touch it. Not a cent.”

“Good,” Lisa said with a satisfied tone. “I’ll have the divorce papers ready in the morning. Trust me, Jane, I’ll make him regret even thinking about taking your money.”

Jane nodded, though Lisa couldn’t see her. “Thanks, Lisa. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Lisa said, a sly smile evident in her voice. “Just focus on that Nelson deal tomorrow. Leave Dylan to me.”

---

In another part of the house, Dylan sat alone in the darkened guest room, his eyes reflecting a storm of emotions. Once, he had been the greatest talent in history—a man whose name was revered in every corner of the world.

Dylan had mastered everything he touched: finance, business, medicine, martial arts. He was a super genius, unmatched and unstoppable. Years ago, he had built the Dragonia Alliance, an elite group of 36 individuals who were the wealthiest and most powerful figures in their respective countries. Together, they controlled the economy and politics of the entire world. And Dylan had been their leader.

But that life seemed like another world now.

One fateful night, an unexpected event changed everything. He had accidentally slept with Jane Cooper, and she had become pregnant. Though their union was unplanned, Dylan couldn’t walk away. His life, filled with enemies and danger, wasn’t a safe place for a family. Fearing for Jane and their unborn daughter, he had made a decision that shocked even his closest allies: he retired.

To protect Jane and Molly, Dylan hid his identity and stepped away from the world he once ruled. In secret, he had helped Jane’s company flourish, ensuring its meteoric rise in the business world. Every key deal, every sudden influx of resources, had been orchestrated by him. Yet Jane believed it was all her doing, never suspecting the man she dismissed as a "househusband" was her silent guardian.

Tonight, her accusations stung. Dylan clenched his fists, the humiliation of being looked down upon gnawing at his pride. But he didn’t regret his choices. Protecting Molly was worth every sacrifice.

The sound of shattering dishes earlier echoed in his mind, stirring a new concern. Molly had always been a light sleeper, and the chaos might have woken her. Rising from the bed, Dylan headed quietly to her room.

Pushing the door open, he found Molly sitting upright in her bed, her wide, tear-streaked eyes fixed on him.

“Daddy,” she whimpered, her voice trembling with fear. “Are you going to leave us? I heard you and Mommy yelling.”

Dylan’s heart broke at her words. He sat on the edge of her bed and pulled her into his arms. “Molly, listen to me. No matter what happens, I will always love you. You’re the most important thing in the world to me.”

Molly sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve. “But Mommy doesn’t love me. She’s always mad at you and doesn’t talk to me.”

Dylan stroked her hair, his voice filled with emotion. “Your mommy is just busy, sweetheart. But I promise, I’ll always be here for you.”

Molly hugged him tightly. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too,” Dylan said, his voice thick. He stayed with her until she drifted off, her small hand clutching his shirt.

Once she was asleep, Dylan left the room quietly. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

The voice on the other end answered immediately, filled with excitement. “Young master! Is that really you?”

“It’s me, John,” Dylan said calmly. “I need a place to stay for now.”

The man he had just called was John Nelson, the head of the Nelson family.

John Nelson’s voice cracked with emotion. “Master Dylan, we’ve been waiting for this day for so long. Please, come back to us. The Nelson family will be honored to welcome you home.”

“Keep it low-key,” Dylan said. “I don’t want any unnecessary attention.”

But John had other plans. Tears of joy streamed down his face as he struck the family’s alarm bell, summoning every member of the Nelson household.

“The young master is returning!” he announced, his voice echoing through the mansion. “Tomorrow, we will go and welcome him personally!”

A young man hesitated. “But Sir, tomorrow is the day we sign the contract with Jane Cooper’s company.”

John’s expression turned icy. “Nothing is more important than the young master. Cancel the meeting. Those who fail to show up tomorrow will no longer be part of the Nelson family.”

---

The next morning, Lisa arrived at Jane’s home, clutching a thick stack of divorce papers. She smirked as she placed them on the dining table.

Jane grabbed her briefcase, barely glancing at the documents. “I’m counting on you, Lisa. I have to leave now—the Nelson family is waiting.”

Lisa waved her off. “Go on, Jane. I’ve got this covered.”

Dylan walked into the room just as Jane left. Lisa smirked, tapping the papers. “Sign these, Dylan. Jane wants a clean break, and don’t even think about asking for money. You’ll leave with nothing.”

Dylan sat down and picked up the pen, his face calm. “I only have one condition,” he said.

Lisa leaned forward, her expression smug. “Let me guess—money? Too bad. You’re not getting a dime.”

Dylan shook his head. “I don’t want her money. I want custody of Molly.”

Lisa blinked, stunned for a moment, before her smile widened. “Fine by me. Jane doesn’t want her anyway. Go ahead, sign.”

Dylan didn’t hesitate. He signed the papers and pushed them back to Lisa.

Lisa burst into laughter. “Oh, this is perfect! No money, no support—how are you going to raise a child alone?”