When the Tables Turn

The gala ended on a high note, leaving Jalissa feeling equal parts accomplished and exhausted. The conversations, the connections, and even the confrontation with Ethan had tested her resolve, but she had emerged stronger. Every moment of the evening had reinforced how far she had come, and as she rode in the car with Victor back to her apartment, she couldn't help but reflect on the symbolism of the night.

Victor, seated beside her, broke the silence. "You were phenomenal tonight, Jalissa."

She smiled, turning to face him. "Thank you. It was a team effort."

He shook his head slightly. "No, tonight was all you. The way you handled yourself in conversations, your insight with the investors... even the way you carried yourself after dealing with Kate and Ethan. You exceeded every expectation."

Jalissa tilted her head, her tone light but teasing. "I thought you weren't underestimating me anymore?"

Victor chuckled, a rare sound that carried warmth. "Fair point. But still, I'm impressed. You're a natural at this."

His words settled into her heart like a balm. For so long, Jalissa had questioned her abilities, doubted her worth. Hearing Victor's praise—a man whose standards were notoriously high—felt like validation for the hard work she had poured into rebuilding herself.

"Thank you," she said quietly, her sincerity shining through.

By the time Jalissa walked into Gina's apartment, the events of the night still swirled in her mind. Gina was waiting on the couch, a bowl of popcorn in her lap and a wide grin on her face.

"Don't tell me about the gala yet—I want the whole rundown once you're comfy," Gina said, gesturing toward Jalissa's room.

Jalissa laughed and headed to her partitioned space, slipping out of her gown and into her favorite pair of sweats. When she returned, Gina patted the seat beside her.

"Okay, spill," Gina said. "I want every single detail."

Jalissa recounted the night, from her poised conversations with investors to the unexpected dance with Victor. She hesitated briefly when it came to her run-ins with Kate and Ethan but decided to share those moments too.

"And he apologized?" Gina asked, her voice incredulous. "Ethan actually apologized?"

"Yes," Jalissa said, her voice calm. "It wasn't easy hearing him out, but I think I needed it. Not because I wanted closure from him, but because it reminded me how far I've come."

"That's the energy I'm talking about," Gina said, throwing a popcorn kernel in the air and catching it. "You're thriving, girl."

Jalissa smiled, feeling a swell of gratitude for Gina's unwavering support. "It's been a journey, but I finally feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be."

The following Monday, the office buzzed with talk about the gala. Victor's team had secured new partnerships, and the mood was celebratory. Jalissa dove into her work with renewed vigor, organizing Victor's schedule, preparing follow-ups for the contacts they had made, and ensuring every detail was handled seamlessly.

Mid-morning, Victor called her into his office. He was seated behind his sleek desk, a stack of papers in front of him.

"Jalissa, take a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

She complied, her notepad in hand. "What's on the agenda?"

Victor leaned back, his gaze steady. "I wanted to take a moment to thank you personally. Your contributions at the gala went above and beyond what anyone could have expected."

"It was part of my job," she said modestly.

"Perhaps," Victor said, his tone thoughtful. "But you've made this role your own. Your ability to anticipate needs, handle pressure, and add value at every level is rare. I've worked with a lot of people, Jalissa, but you stand out."

Jalissa's cheeks warmed under his praise. "Thank you. That means a lot."

Victor smiled. "It's well-deserved. Now, let's talk about the follow-ups from the gala. I'd like your thoughts on a few of these new partnerships."

As they worked through the list, Victor asked for her input on several key decisions, treating her like a true collaborator rather than just his assistant. By the time the meeting ended, Jalissa felt more empowered than ever.

Later that evening, as Jalissa packed up her things to leave, Victor appeared at her desk.

"Busy tonight?" he asked casually.

"Not particularly," she replied, glancing up from her planner. "Why?"

"There's a small gathering downtown. It's more relaxed than the gala, but it'll be a good chance to connect with a few of our newer partners. I could use someone I trust to join me."

Jalissa hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, I'd be happy to."

The gathering was held at an upscale lounge with a chic yet inviting atmosphere. The smaller crowd allowed for more intimate conversations, and Jalissa found herself at ease as she mingled with the attendees.

Victor introduced her to several key figures, and once again, her poise and intelligence shone through. As the night went on, she realized how much she enjoyed this side of the job—the ability to connect, to strategize, and to represent Owens Tech on a broader stage.

Victor, ever the observer, noticed her ease. "You're a natural at this," he said as they stepped aside for a moment. "I think I made the right choice asking you to come tonight."

"Glad I could help," Jalissa replied, her smile genuine.

On the drive home, Jalissa stared out the window, her thoughts swirling. The week had been a whirlwind, but she felt grounded in a way she hadn't in years. She was no longer the woman who had sacrificed everything for someone else. She was carving out a life for herself—one that was full of purpose, growth, and possibility.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt truly unstoppable.