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.

the stage. The crowd

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 handkerchief at the corners

“You’ll see.”

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

suspicious glances.

out his hand and Nathan

generosity, I would like to offer my

to the orphanage that Piper is supporting

oohed and awed. That gift was twice as much as the

Everyone started to clap.

my shame lifted away, and I

around my

so happy… Those kids… I failed

Jane stole

glanced at him.

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

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

plans, did it matter who it

to have the opposite effect on Julian. He squared his jaw.

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