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The rest of what they would be collecting would be just a bonus that they could add to their foundation so they could help more in the long run. Dani could not thank all the people who had helped her achieve such success.

“As we all know, this Charity Event has been a family tradition my father, the late Ethan Hamilton, had started for decades.” She stood in front of everyone on the stage, facing all the people who knew her father.

“We would not be here tonight if it was not for his vision. He always believed that success is not only defined by the size of one’s wallet but the capacity of one’s heart to help.” She continued, remembering his father’s words. The countless wisdom he had imparted to her.

“Helping is not all about taking credit for what he did, but seeing how many lives he had changed and improved through his simple act of kindness.” She could see some of them as they joined her in this celebration.

“I want to give tribute to the man I had loved with all my heart. The man I believed had touched many lives either by his words or actions. Please join me in commemorating his memory.” She raised a glass of wine she held in her other hand, making the others follow her lead.

“Let us celebrate the memory of a great man, a wonderful husband, an honest businessman, a friend to many, and the best father.” Her eyes could not help but seek out her mother, who stood not far from her.

.....

Then, her brother, who was not yet ready to accept them in his life. He should be joining them as part of their family. But he chose to stand on the side with the other guests.

But she did notice that her friend, Haley, seemed too cozy with him. Suddenly, she wondered if the two were together. She vaguely remembered introducing them, but she thought that they never followed up on that. Haley would have mentioned something about that.

But if her suspicion was correct, should she warn Haley about him? Well, she believed she should. Gerald might be her brother, but Haley was also her friend. She just hoped that she was not yet too late.

“Congratulations!” People applauded and praised their success, not only her but the entire foundation and the people who had sweated their blood and tears to make this happen.

“You did it, my Princess.” Her mother was one of the first to hug and salute her for a job performed well.

“I could not have done this without you and Dad, even if he was not physically here.” She knew that he was guiding her every step of the way. But she owed gratitude to her husband and friends, who never left her side.

Then, she spotted Jacky and Marcus on the other side, raising their glasses to her. She knew they were happy about the success of the event. But the night was far from over. She still had many things planned for the rest of the evening.

“Shall we proceed to the next program?” She instructed the host of the celebration. Now that the pressure was less since everything seemed to be running without a hitch, they could start to relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.

She had planned for the auction of some items donated by their wealthy friends and benefactors. Several expensive clothes, jewelry, collectible pieces of art, and other valuable things.

She believed this would also bring about a good amount of funds for the new projects she had put on hold. But now that she was settling in her new position, she knew she could have active participation in the foundation.

“You were great,” A familiar voice commented before feeling his arms wrapped around her body. “But you should rest. You look a bit pale.” Alex turned her and stared into her face.

She could see the worry lines on his face as if she would suddenly drop to the floor from exhaustion. She felt tired, but it did not mean she could stop now.

“Don’t worry. I think I am a bit hungry.” She was attributing this uneasiness she felt to the exhaustion of dealing with this celebration for months. “Do you think we can look for food?” She requested, unable to contain her hunger.

She believed she hardly remembered breakfast earlier. Then she barely ate lunch. Dinner had been almost just the same. Now, she was suffering the consequence of lack of food.

“I know we can work something out.” Alex pulled her away from the crowd until they had reached the other end of the ballroom. He called for the attention of the waiter. Then, he requested whatever meal was available in the hotel’s kitchen.

She guessed she could not find anyone as adorable as his husband. He was the most loving and caring man in the world. At least now that her father was gone.

But he suddenly received a phone call as they waited for her food. He had to excuse himself for a few minutes. But she did not mind that was part of their jobs. “I will be back.” He told her as he moved further away from her.

She nibbled on the meal the kitchen had prepared as she waited for him to return. At least it alleviated her hunger and gave her enough energy to continue. As she had said, the night was barely at its climax.

“So, here you are.” She looked up to see her brother standing before her. Not the man she was waiting for but still someone she wanted to speak with about some private matters. “I was looking for you to congratulate you. You did a great job here, Dani. I assure you that you have my full support.”

Sometimes, it was hard to deal with his brother, knowing what he did to her and Alex and what he did for a living. She was not talking about his daytime job.

“I am also looking for you. Thanks because you save me the trip.” She looked up at him from her seat and studied his face. “What are you doing with Haley Rosley?” Dani could not wait anymore. She had to know.

Gerald was a horrible man that she wished she could change. But that was not how life worked. She believed she could not save everyone, not even her flesh and blood.

Sadly, she was beginning to believe that Gerald was not worth saving.