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.

He started walking toward the

way.

in the now empty space beside me.

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

as

the corners of my

“You’ll see.”

lifted platform and approached Nathan. The King and Queen

suspicious glances.

held out his hand and Nathan passed him

his throat. “In the spirit of tonight’s generosity, I would like to

the orphanage that Piper is supporting

oohed and awed. That gift was twice

Everyone started to clap.

shame lifted away, and I started crying for a

arm around my shoulders. “Chin

so happy… Those

didn’t. Jane stole

glanced at him.

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

mentioned, hoping he wouldn’t feel bad. So long

plans, did it matter who it

seemed to have the opposite effect on Julian. He squared

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