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.
out. He started walking toward the stage. The
way.
space beside me. He handed me
step forward,” Julian said. “I thought I’d have to
as the reckless,
dabbed the handkerchief at the
“You’ll see.”
and approached Nathan. The King and Queen
suspicious glances.
and Nathan passed him
the spirit of tonight’s generosity, I would like to offer my own donation
the orphanage that Piper is supporting
oohed and awed. That gift was twice as much
Everyone started to clap.
away, and I
his arm around my shoulders. “Chin
Those kids… I
Jane
at him. “Did you
At Jane or at himself, I couldn’t tell. “I didn’t
did,” I mentioned, hoping he wouldn’t feel bad. So long
plans, did it matter who it
on Julian. He squared his jaw. “Yeah.” He didn’t
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