Chapter 9

Andrew Blake

“Mr. Blake,” someone called from behind me cheerfully, and I swiveled to acknowledge the British man walking up to me. I dismissed the lady I was currently having a business conversation with and focused my attention on him.

He shook my hand firmly. “I was impressed with your speech, and I look forward to working with you and all the big dreams you have for J.B. Corporation,” he said happily, smiling with his sun-kissed eyes.

“Thank you for coming,” I responded, giving him my best warm and professional smile, just as I did with everyone who approached me, expressing their interest in working with me and praising my speech.

I genuinely cared about J.B. Corporation, and on the deck of the fancy expensive yacht where we hosted one of our biggest fundraising events, I delivered a speech promising to lead J.B. Corporation and its investors toward a brighter future.

But standing here, on this same deck, entertaining all these gue