When the song ended, Alexander led me back toward our table, but we were intercepted by a distinguished–looking woman with silver hair.

“Dr. Porter,” Alexander greeted her warmly. “I’d like you to meet my wife, Olivia. Olivia, this is Dr. Emily Porter, head of the Children’s Hospital Foundation.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, shaking her hand.

“The pleasure is mine,” Dr. Porter replied. “Alexander has been one of our most generous supporters. The Carter Wing has helped thousands of children.”

“The Carter Wing?” I looked at Alexander questioningly.

Dr. Porter seemed surprised. “The pediatric research center. Alexander funded it three years ago. Surely he told you?”

Alexander looked almost embarrassed. “It never came up.”

“Well, he’s too modest,” Dr. Porter continued. “The center focuses on rare childhood diseases, many of which were considered untreatable before our

research.”

I felt a surge of admiration for Alexander. “That’s incredible work.”

“We couldn’t do it without supporters like your husband,” Dr. Porter said. “Perhaps you’d like to tour the facility sometime? See the impact firsthand?”

“I’d love that,” I replied honestly.

After Dr. Porter moved on to greet other guests, I turned to Alexander. “You never mentioned funding a pediatric research center.”

He shrugged, looking uncomfortable with the praise. “It was a good investment.”

“In children?”

“In the future,” he corrected. “Those kids deserve a chance.”

17:43 Mon, Sep 8

Chapter 142

57

55 vouchers

I stood there looking at Alexander, his words echoing in my head. The simple statement that kids deserved a chance revealed a side of him I’d never expected. Not from the ruthless CEO who commanded boardrooms and made million- dollar decisions without blinking.

“What?” Alexander asked, noticing my expression.

“Nothing.” I shook my head slightly. “It’s just not what I expected you to say.”

I funded a children’s hospital for the

“Well… maybe?”

do appreciate the tax benefits. But that’s not why I did

genuinely curious about this unexpected

much research funding. Most pharmaceutical companies focus on more common conditions

surprisingly altruistic of

so shocked. I’m not always

master of ceremonies tapped on the microphone, drawing everyone’s attention to

gentlemen, please take your seats. We’re about to begin the auction portion of

the Carter table, his hand warm against the small of my back. Harold was already engaged in conversation with another elderly gentleman, while Victoria examined the auction catalog with

catch your eye?” Alexander asked, glancing at the catalog

flipped through the glossy pages. “Maybe the weekend in

17:43 Mon, Sep 8

Chapter 142

wine tasting.”

:

57

55 vouchers

can go to Napa anytime,” he said dismissively. “Look at the artwork section.

found the page and nearly choked on my champagne when I saw the

investment. One that tends

guests. Tonight, we have an extraordinary collection of items to auction, with all proceeds

with a celebrity chef. I watched with fascination as people casually

yacht. This exclusive experience includes a private chef, full crew, and stops at Capri, Santorini, and Mykonos. Bidding

I sat back, content to watch the

a woman in

countered a man near the

auctioneer’s gavel

from across the table. “That yacht

look as shocked as

three–star Michelin chef Alan Marceau, followed by dinner for six

17:43 Mon, Sep 8

Chapter 142

:

called, raising his

57

55 vouchers

with Alexander eventually winning at twenty–five

“Does this mean I get to

sous chef,” he replied with a wink. “And then

rare bottle of scotch that sold for an eye–watering amount

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255