Forced Marriage: My Wife, My Redemption

Chapter 290: Is something going on?

~Grand Duke Hotels~

Jessica’s car glided smoothly through the tall gates of the Grand Duke Hotel. The polished black vehicle reflected the golden afternoon light as she slowed near the entrance.

A uniformed valet stepped forward with a slight bow, ready to assist. The hotel’s towering glass exterior shimmered in the sunlight, while the flower beds lining the driveway released a delicate, pleasant scent.

She parked expertly, her fingers steady on the wheel before switching off the engine. Taking a breath, she reached for her phone and dialed.

The call connected on the first ring.

"I’ve arrived," she said simply.

She stepped out of the car, dressed in loose jeans and a flowing top that concealed her pregnancy with subtle elegance. The outfit gave her a relaxed, almost youthful appearance.

Her eyes scanned the environment, sharp and alert beneath the rim of her cap, noting every corner and crevice as if expecting something—or someone—to emerge. Only after ensuring it was safe did she proceed.

Her heels stepped softly on the pavement as she made her way toward the grand revolving doors. With a gentle push, she entered, heading straight for the elevator and pressing the button for the fifth floor—the designated meeting venue.

With a soft ding, the elevator doors slid open. She stepped out with quiet grace.

Waiting just outside was Richard. The moment he saw her, he sighed in relief and approached with a warm smile.

"It’s been a while," he said, pulling her into a brief, brotherly hug.

"Haven’t we been talking the whole time?" she replied with a raised brow.

"I never said we haven’t. But it’s been a while since I saw you in person." A flicker of sadness crossed his eyes—brief but noticeable.

He had long made peace with the fact that whatever feelings he once had for her would never be returned. Their bond was forged in loyalty and trust, not romance. Maybe that was always how it was meant to be—siblings by choice, not blood.

Jessica caught the look and frowned. "Richie... what’s going on?"

"Nothing’s wrong," he said quickly, masking the expression. He hadn’t expected her to notice.

She studied his face for another second, then nodded, deciding to let it slide. "So... are we good to go?"

"Yes," he said, pushing the door open to the private suite. "Everyone’s inside."

Jessica entered with quiet command. Her cap cast a shadow over her face, giving her an air of mystery. She moved like a silent force, her posture composed and confident.

The private suite was tastefully arranged: a large polished mahogany table at the center, surrounded by high-backed leather chairs. The lighting was soft but clear, casting a focused ambiance. Thick curtains and soundproof walls provided complete privacy.

To the side, a small refreshment station offered water, coffee, and snacks. A sleek screen on the wall was prepped for presentations. Notepads and pens were placed neatly in front of each seat.

As the door closed behind her, heads turned. Quiet murmurs broke out among the team members.

"Whao... she’s so young."

"She’s the boss?"

"I can’t believe I finally get to see her in person."

"She’s always so mysterious... no one even knows her real name. Just ’Lady Bright.’"

They whispered in awe, caught between reverence and curiosity. But Jessica remained calm, scanning the room with cool detachment.

"Let’s begin," she said softly, her voice like silk—but every syllable carried weight.

The murmurs ceased immediately. Several of the younger men shifted in their seats, their composure cracking briefly under the unexpected impact of her presence.

Richard sat beside her, giving a brief summary of the meeting’s purpose. When he finished, silence fell like a curtain.

Jessica tapped her pen lightly on her notepad and glanced toward the floor-to-ceiling window before speaking again.

"All right," she began, her tone clipped and authoritative. "We’re less than twenty-four hours from showtime. This year’s event shouldn’t just be good—it has to be unforgettable. So, we’re going to run through every critical point. No detail too small."

The tension in the room thickened. Everyone present knew what was at stake. Success meant prestige. Failure... well, none of them dared to imagine that.

Jessica turned to the event manager. "Darren, I understand you’re handling the venue. How confident are you in the setup?"

Darren straightened. "Venue is secured. Stage is built. Lighting and sound checks are ongoing tonight. Seating arranged according to VIP protocols. Backup generators are in place."

Jessica nodded slightly but didn’t comment. Instead, she asked, "Have you considered emergency exits? Evacuation routes?"

He tapped his notepad. The room’s projector blinked to life, displaying detailed blueprints. Darren walked them through the security contingencies, exit placements, and staff deployment in case of emergency.

Jessica jotted down a few notes, her expression unreadable.

As Darren wrapped up, the logistics manager, Phil, took over.

"All 28 models arrived this morning. Final fittings are underway. Designers and their collections are secure. Transportation for the materials is confirmed for 6 AM tomorrow. Contingency plans are ready in case of sudden weather shifts."

Each department head followed, presenting progress reports with clear precision. Adjustments were made on the spot. Replacements assigned. The meeting proceeded like clockwork.

Before closing the session, Jessica turned to Phil. "Have five backup models on standby—just in case. If we don’t need them, Richard will handle their compensation."

Everyone nodded. They understood the stakes.

By the time the meeting and venue walkthrough concluded, the day had slipped away unnoticed.

Jessica stepped outside, finally drawing a long breath. She pulled out her phone and froze momentarily at the sight of her screen—several missed calls and most from Davis alone.

She quickly returned the call.

He answered immediately.

"Are you back?" she asked.

"Not quite," his voice replied, calm but distant. There was something guarded in his tone. Jessica picked up on it instantly.

"Is something going on?"

"Nothing’s happening at the moment," he replied. "But I won’t be returning tonight."

Jessica’s eyes narrowed. "Not returning tonight?" she repeated, her voice low.

A pause.

"I just need to handle something first. It’s important," he said, more carefully this time.

She leaned against the wall, her free hand resting protectively over her midsection. "You’re being vague. Is it business? Or something else?"

There was another pause. Then: "It’s business. Mostly."

Jessica’s voice softened just a little. "You’ve been different lately. What are you not telling me?"

"I promise—I’ll tell you everything. Soon. Just trust me."

"I always have," she replied after a pause. "That’s why I’m worried."

Davis let out a breath. "I’ll be safe. You focus on tomorrow. I’ll call you in the morning." noveldrama

Jessica lingered a moment longer before ending the call. Her gaze drifted to the horizon a sigh escaping her lips..

The sun had dipped low, casting shadows across the Grand Duke Hotel.