Chapter 21

Chairs scraped subtly against the marble floor as everyone rose to their feet.

I placed a hand over my chest, my eyes fixed on the massive American flag ahead, just as the opening chords of the anthem filled the hall.

But my thoughts drifted to that morning, as those two over there humiliated me. Taking a deep breath, I fought back emotions.

I focused on the flag, my posture straight. I wasn’t here for them. I was here for my company—and my children.

The final note of the anthem echoed across the room and a hush settled in the space. “You may be seated,” the announcer spoke again.

We sat down and one of the men on the raised stage stood.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I am Gerald Wolfe, the Secretary of Commerce.”

“On behalf of the United States Government, I want to thank each of you for being here today. You’ve been carefully selected not only because of your innovation, but because of your track record, integrity, and capacity to serve at