chapter 34

The press conference room shimmered with elegance. Shine Corp's logo gleamed from every corner, and media cameras blinked like stars as reporters, business elites, and industry insiders filled the hall. The rapid rise of Shine Corp had taken the city by storm. Everyone wanted to know who was behind this meteoric success — and more importantly, who would lead it.

Behind the scenes, Ethan stood next to Jane, gently adjusting the pin on her blazer. She looked graceful in an emerald-green suit, her poise effortless. But her eyes—slightly trembling—revealed the gravity of the moment.

"Are you ready, mom?" Ethan asked gently.

Jane looked at him and smiled. There was pride, nerves, and above all — gratitude.

"I never thought a day like this would come," she whispered. "But yes… I'm ready."

Just then, a staff member came in. "Ma'am, sir, it's time."

Ethan stepped out first to the podium as murmurs filled the room.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice steady and confident. "Thank you for joining us at Shine Corp today. For months, the city has wondered who's behind the fastest-growing company in the region. Today, that mystery ends. It is my great honor to introduce to you the woman whose strength, vision, and resilience have shaped this company from the shadows… until now."

He paused, looking toward the side of the stage.

"Please welcome Shine Corp's new CEO — Mrs. Jane Adera."

Gasps and whispers filled the room as Jane stepped forward, composed and radiant. The elite of the city looked at her with curious eyes. Some had seen her around Alden's house, but none suspected she was a powerhouse hidden in plain sight.

"Who is she?" a woman whispered from the second row.

"I heard she was a maid somewhere," another scoffed quietly, "but this is Shine Corp… surely that can't be true."

"It doesn't matter who she was," an older CEO muttered, leaning forward, "what matters is this company just crushed our last quarter sales. That woman deserves respect."

Jane took the podium, looked around the room with gentle authority, and began:

"Good afternoon. My name is Jane Adera. Until recently, I lived a quiet life. I have known suffering, loss, and invisibility. But through it all, I held onto a dream. Today, I'm not standing here because of privilege, but because of persistence — and the faith of a son who believed in me."

She paused. Ethan blinked rapidly, holding back tears.

"Shine Corp isn't just a business. It's a symbol — that buried talent still shines. That no matter your past, you can create a future. I was once overlooked… now, I stand before you, not for applause, but to lead. With humility. With vision. And with fire."

A hush fell across the room.

Then — claps. Slow, then swelling, then thunderous applause.

Reporters scrambled to write headlines.

"From Maid to Mogul?"

"Mysterious CEO of Shine Corp Finally Revealed!"

"The Rise of Jane Adera — A New Power in the City."

Backstage, Kara watched the moment from a monitor. A small, proud smile played on her lips.

"She did it," she whispered.

The buzz surrounding Jane Adera had not slowed down — in fact, it was just beginning. After the unforgettable announcement, her name dominated headlines and business conversations across the city. Jane, who once moved silently through rooms as a servant, was now the woman everyone wanted to befriend, consult, or be associated with.

Her phone rang endlessly—calls from former bosses, old classmates who had once mocked her, distant relatives who had never checked in, and strangers who claimed they were "family friends."

Yet Jane remained grounded.

"Good afternoon, yes, I remember you… Thank you for the congratulations. However, we are not looking to hire external consultants at the moment," she would say, calm and firm, again and again.

She had quickly adapted to her new life — dignified, composed, and sharp. Each morning, she arrived at the company earlier than anyone else. She studied industry trends, held strategic meetings, and led with empathy and unmatched attention to detail.

Her once-soft voice had grown steady and commanding. The board admired her. Investors respected her. And Shine Corp… soared.

Scene: At the Shine Corp Executive Office

Jane stood before a whiteboard, presenting to her management team.

"We are opening our first branch office in Westwood by the end of next quarter. I want full market research on consumer behavior in that region. Let's be ten steps ahead before we plant our flag."

The room clapped enthusiastically. Her clarity inspired everyone. Even the most skeptical senior managers had come to see she wasn't just a symbolic leader — she was the leader.

Scene: Evening at Home

That night, the family gathered in the living room. Kara, looking relaxed in silk pajamas, sipped on hot chocolate.

"Mom is something else," she said softly, looking at Jane with a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "I never imagined the woman I used to yell at in the hallway would be shaking hands with governors and CEOs."

Jane chuckled lightly. "Neither did I, sweetheart. Life has a way of humbling and surprising us."

Ethan nodded. "But you deserve all of this. I hope you know that."

Alden, seated beside Jane with a glass of wine, added quietly, "I've seen powerful people all my life, Jane. But the way you've handled everything — with grace, intelligence, and discipline — makes me prouder than I can ever say. Making you CEO wasn't just the right decision… it was the best decision Shine Corp has ever made."

Jane smiled, misty-eyed.

"I only hope I'm making Job proud," she said softly.

There was silence for a moment. Then Kara reached over, touching her hand gently.

"You are. More than you'll ever know."

And in that quiet moment, surrounded by the people who had once been scattered and broken, Jane Adera — mother, leader, and survivor — knew one thing for certain:

She wasn't just building a business.She was rebuilding a legacy.