Chapter 22

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he started, his voice strong yet warm. “Thank you all for coming tonight. As we all know, the gathering is for charity and I never expected many people to show up. Thank you so much for considering the invitation.”

“The charity ball is something I have always wanted to do, but it was only recently that the passion truly ignited within me.”

He paused, scanning the room. “Tonight, we are here to support thousands of children who can not go to school and families who struggle to put food on the table. The world is becoming unbearable for people who can't afford things they want. Therefore your contributions tonight will make a significant difference. It’s not just about the money; it’s about putting smiles on faces and giving hope where there was none.”

A round of applause filled the room, including from Jane, whose smile caught Caleb's eye and made his lips curl slightly in response. He continued, “This dream wasn’t mine alone. Someone very sp