I sniffed, but I wouldn’t let the tears fall. By the end of Nathan’s list, I had been the only person to have received zero support. The orphanage I supported would receive no donations from tonight, despite my

best efforts.

In her ten minute appearance, Jane had undone hours‘ worth of my efforts.

I’d been getting glares since I returned to the ballroom, but now, the whispers started too.

I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole. Then I wouldn’t feel so much

embarrassment and shame.

I’d hoped to gain enough donations to be able to give the orphanage at least some relief. They knew about my backing them. We had to submit the organizations we supported to Nathan and the producers

ahead of time. They likely made commercials and promos for the gala utilizing that information.

I could only imagine what the commentators were saying now.

“The orphanage will receive nothing. The children will go hungry tonight. And it’s all Piper’s fault!”

I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. Nicholas, beside me, noticed.

“We congratulate all of our participants tonight,” Nathan said. His speech was wrapping up. The event

was almost over.

started walking toward the stage. The crowd

way.

appeared in the now empty space

him long enough to step forward,” Julian said. “I thought I’d have

as the

the handkerchief at the corners of my

“You’ll see.”

stepped onto the lifted platform and approached Nathan. The King and Queen gave

suspicious glances.

hand and Nathan

the spirit of tonight’s generosity, I

orphanage that Piper

and awed. That gift was twice as much as the

Everyone started to clap.

I started

around my shoulders. “Chin

just so happy… Those

didn’t. Jane stole from

at him. “Did

At Jane or at himself, I couldn’t tell. “I

mentioned, hoping he wouldn’t feel bad. So long as someone was there to interfere

it matter who it

the opposite effect on

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

Comments ()

0/255