When Donald asked Alexander if he could see a picture of the woman he was now engaged to, Alexander instinctively reached for his phone. A small smile appeared on his face as he unlocked the device. He opened his gallery and began scrolling through the photographs stored on his phone. At first, he looked confident that he would find one quickly. After all, Jane had become such an important part of his life that he assumed he must have taken at least one picture of her. But after several seconds, his smile slowly disappeared. He stopped scrolling and looked more carefully at the screen. Nothing. Alexander moved to another folder. Still nothing. He checked the photographs he had taken recently, scrolling slowly through them one after another. He saw pictures of business meetings, places he had visited, family gatherings, meals, and random moments he had captured with his phone. There was no picture of Jane. He frowned slightly. Perhaps he had saved one somewhere else. Alexande

Not long after Donald ended his phone conversation with Victoria, he remained seated in his study, staring thoughtfully at the phone in his hand. He had told Victoria that he would think about attending her birthday celebration, but he still wasn't entirely convinced that he should go. He had initially believed that the invitation was simply another attempt by Victoria to get his attention. However, her explanation about the project she wanted to discuss had made him reconsider. Still, he had plenty of responsibilities. His work was demanding. There were family matters to attend to. And with Alexander having just returned to his country, Donald also knew that his brother would soon arrange the promised video call with his fiancée. He placed the phone on the table and sighed. Perhaps he would simply decline Victoria's invitation later. As he was thinking about this, he heard footsteps coming from upstairs. A few moments later, Ivy walked into the room with her phone in her han

That weekend, Donald honored Victoria's invitation and attended her birthday celebration. Although he had initially been reluctant to go, Ivy's words had stayed with him throughout the week. She had reminded him that the invitation had been extended to her personally and that, because she could not attend due to her health, it would be respectful for him to represent her. Eventually, Donald had agreed. Now, as his car approached the venue, he immediately understood why Victoria had been so insistent that he attend. The celebration was not an ordinary birthday party. The entire venue had been transformed into a magnificent display of wealth and sophistication. Luxury cars filled the parking area. Security personnel stood at different points around the venue, carefully monitoring everyone entering and leaving. Inside, the atmosphere was even more impressive. The hall was beautifully decorated with elegant flowers, expensive-looking decorations, brilliant lighting, and carefully

As Donald mounted the stage, he initially felt a wave of nervousness. He had not been informed that he would be speaking. He had not prepared a speech. He had not even had enough time to think about what he was going to say. Yet, as he stood before the gathering and looked across the magnificent hall, something within him settled. He reminded himself that business was something he understood. He had spent years building DeGrand Corporation. He had faced difficult decisions, managed employees, negotiated deals, studied markets, and dealt with the challenges that came with running a growing company. He might not have prepared a speech, but he had spent years preparing for moments like this. Donald adjusted the microphone. "Good evening, everyone." The hall gradually became quiet. "I must confess that I wasn't expecting to be standing here tonight." The crowd laughed. Donald smiled. "But since I've been given the opportunity, I'll simply speak about what I know." He paused

The announcement that anyone who wished to present a gift to Donald should step forward changed the atmosphere of the entire celebration. Donald had initially thought the official was merely making a symbolic statement. He had never imagined that people would actually take the invitation seriously. But within moments, the first guest rose from his seat. He was a prominent businessman whom Donald recognized from several industry events. The man walked toward the front, holding an envelope in his hand. "Mr. Smith," he said warmly, extending his hand. "I want to congratulate you on the speech you just delivered." Donald shook his hand. "Thank you very much." "I was impressed by your understanding of the business environment." The man turned toward the table where the gifts were being collected. "I would like to make a financial contribution toward your business expansion." Donald immediately shook his head. "That's not necessary." The man smiled. "Please accept it." "Hones