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 parted for him,

way.

in the now empty space beside me.

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

reputation as the reckless,

the corners of my eyes. “Do

“You’ll see.”

onto the lifted platform and approached Nathan. The

suspicious glances.

out his hand and Nathan passed

generosity, I would like to

to the orphanage that

oohed and awed. That gift was twice as much as

Everyone started to clap.

and I started crying for a new reason:

around

just so happy… Those

Jane stole from

at him.

smile twisted in disgust. At Jane or at himself, I couldn’t tell. “I

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

plans, did it matter who

on Julian. He squared

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