Boyfriends 20

Chapter 20
Marcus
I caught her staring right at me which wasn’t surprising but what got to me was the fact that she was still clapping.
You should have seen the expression on her face when I told her she was still clapping.
“Sorry,” she muttered with an undertone.
No one heard her, just me- because it was just me who had noticed her.
I returned my attention to the podium and my friend, the man who began balding at 27 appeared on stage.
I always teased Paul about it. For all ten years, he became used to my joke that he no longer had mood swings because of them.
“Who would have thought?” Paul started when he got the mic. “Oh well, I would have thought
Laughter followed at his attempt to crack a joke and then silence fell on the room.
“I am pleased to have you here at the fundraising dinner for The Paul’s Foundation.”
He cleared his throat and went on. “ThePaul’s Foundation has a clear mission to improve global health, decrease poverty, and broaden access to education and technology
“It funds a wide range of programs and initiatives, such as global health and development programs, education initiate and efforts to combat infectious diseases.”
On and on he went but my attention kept diverting to the woman sitting beside me. Her brown eye or is it black? Hell, I’m convinced that she doesn’t have a stable eye color.
She turned to look at me almost immediately and with the way her eyes squinted and her brows arched, I could tell what it
was.
One of her questions.
“So are you like an investor?”
I shook my head. “It’s a non-profit organization. They basically cooperate with other investments but it’s a collaboration.
“So how do they raise money?”
A small chortle escaped my lips and I kind of wish she didn’t. She had a naive look and I could tell she felt bad that I Laughed.
“Well, Some foundations engage in fundraising events or campaigns to raise additional funds for their charitable activities but for Paul, it’s more than that. His foundation invests their endowment funds to generate returns.”
“So these investment earnings are an ongoing source of funding for their operations and grants?” She asked and I gave a
nod
Smart girl.
Just then, I heard my name from the podium and realized I had been carried away for quite a while.
“I may have lost one, but I still have Marcus.”
1/3
hu, Oct 24
Chapter 20
白米28%。
The spotlight turned to me where I sat and I could see all their scrutinizing eyes gazing at me and then at Melissa.
The click of cameras became the next new sound and for a moment, I wished I could have superpowers that make me invisible whenever I want.
These awards are presented to individuals, companies, or foundations that have made significant financial donations to The Paul’s foundation. They recognize generosity and philanthropic commitment.”
Π
“Top on our list is my friend and brother. Marcus Hills, CEO Hills Enterprises. I wish I could tell the world every single story to emphasize your impact but that will take too long.”
“I’ll them one though. Marcus and I had the worst moment of our lives when my brother died. I know- of course, my mom and sisters shared their part of the grief, it was more relatable with Marcus cause he saw me in and out.”
“He was always at the hospital, running the errands; forgetting he has a lot of companies with little or no secretaries to run
them.”
He stops when he realizes what he said could be misinterpreted, “Well, I mean- he’s a workaholic and except such at secretary has the stamina, she’d always be like the rest,”
Laughter followed and I for one, was bad at faking a laugh so I remained still.
“The night Peter died, a young girl also died. I didn’t know her, I just knew her parents tried really hard and that was when it hit me that I can do something to to save lives.”
“I told my man, Marcus, and he was all chill. He supported completely from coming up with a name like The Paul’s foundation to actually choosing the perfect motto and whatnot
“Marcus always prefers to remain in the shadows but I’m sorry man.”
He looked at me this time and others kept clapping. “You should be known in the community for your philanthropy
At the end of his sentence, I was standing right beside him in the podium and in one brotherly hug, I smiled at him.
“Thanks, man but shit-“I muttered to him while pulling away from the hug,
“We’re presenting Mr. Hills with the Philanthropic Partner of the Year award. in recognition of your outstanding
commitment to our cause.”
With a smile, I took the award and raised it.
“Thank you so much. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding work that The Paul’s Foundation does. Their commitment to improving global health, reducing poverty, and making life easier for the impoverished is nothing short of inspiring, and it’s art honor to be associated with such a dedicated team.
A round of applause followed and when cheers echoed in the room, I could swear that I heard Mellisa’s voice.
In
n one eve
eye movement, I found her smiling. Looking so proud but that is normal. Everyone is always proud of a success.
“I would also love to dedicate this award to a woman.”
Silence followed and whatever anyone was expecting, I was ready to annihilate their expectations.
“The one woman who has a large role in what I am today. Kyra. Shout out to you, Kyra.”
That was it. All I was going to be saying. I took a few steps down the steps heading to my
The cameras and light on my face didn’t stop until I was back have probably missed the chair.
chair,
my table. I frowned because if not for the name card, Id
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