Chapter 7: Marlene’s Name

Then Mr. Whitaker delivered one final surprise.

“The program will carry her name.”

The audience stood.

People cheered.

And for the first time that evening, I looked at Roy.

The smug expression was gone.

In its place was panic.

I finally understood why.

For years, Roy had desperately chased influence. He joined clubs, attended charity events, collected business cards, and posed for photographs.

He wanted people to see him as important.

Now, without ever chasing attention, I had been given exactly what he wanted.

Not because of ambition.

Because of earned respect.

Then Mr. Whitaker introduced another speaker.

A woman near the front row stood.

At first, I could not place her.

Then recognition hit me.

“Carol,” I whispered. Continue Reading ⬇️