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.

called out. He started walking toward the

way.

now empty space beside me. He handed

said. “I thought I’d have to do it myself. It would

reputation as

the

“You’ll see.”

approached Nathan. The

suspicious glances.

hand and

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

the orphanage that Piper is supporting

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

Everyone started to clap.

my shame lifted away, and I started crying for a new

arm around my

just so happy… Those

Jane stole from

glanced at him. “Did

twisted in disgust. At Jane or

feel bad. So long as

it

have the opposite effect on Julian. He squared his jaw. “Yeah.” He didn’t

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

Comments ()

0/255