42Discreetly, Michael pulled out his phone and made a transfer, initiating an exorbitant donation that far surpassed anything anyone else had contributed. But he had a special request - his donation was to remain anonymous. As the trio's taunting and mocking continued, Robert, Carl, and Steven took turns belittling Michael, unaware of his secret contribution. Their words cut deep, their insults growing more callous.Robert sneered, "Hey, have you seen Michael? I heard he's trying to make a donation. Probably just a few pennies from his piggy bank. Poor boy must be scraping the bottom of the barrel. He surely think he can compete with us."Carl chimed in, his laughter filled with condescension, "Oh, Michael, bless his little heart. What a joke! His donation won't even make a dent, that won't even be enough for a decent meal. He's just trying to play in the big leagues, but he's out of his league."Steven joined the mockery, fueling their collective ego further, "I can't help but feel
43The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone contemplated the situation. Their minds were clouded with confusion and disbelief. How could this happen? Who could be behind such a substantial contribution?One by one, they voiced their questions, their voices filled with a mix of astonishment and frustration. "Is this some kind of sick joke?" one of them exclaimed, unable to wrap their head around the gravity of the situation. "I mean, who would have the audacity to make such a significant contribution without any prior indication?"Another person, still trying to process the information, chimed in with a tinge of skepticism. "Could it be a miscalculation? Maybe there was an error in the data or a misinterpretation of some sort?"A voice from the back of the room, hesitant and filled with doubt, suggested a possible conspiracy. "What if this is a lie, to force us to contribute a little more? Someone with a hidden agenda trying to manipulate our decisions and alter the course of th
44As Michael reached the stage, the room remained in a hushed silence, all eyes fixated on him. The organizer, with a knowing smile, introduced Michael as the anonymous donor who had made a profound impact on their cause.The trio watched in astonishment as Michael took the microphone, his voice steady and filled with sincerity. "I may not have the wealth or status that you all expect from a donor, but I believe in the power of unity and making a difference. I wanted to contribute in a way that would inspire others, regardless of their circumstances."The room erupted into applause, a mixture of admiration and newfound respect for Michael. Robert, Carl, and Steven exchanged glances, their initial shock giving way to a sense of jealousy and hatred.After the applause died down, the organizer approached Michael, extending gratitude once again. "Thank you so much, Mr. Ventura. Your contribution means the world to us."Michael, humbled by the attention, smiled and replied, "Please, there
45Shocked and concerned, Michael instructed the taxi driver to stop. "Stop! Stop the taxi!" Michael urgently shouted, his heart racing with concern for whoever was trapped inside the wrecked car. The driver, a grizzled old man with strands of gray hair, cast a worried glance in the rearview mirror."Son, it's too dangerous. We should keep moving," the taxi driver cautioned, trying to dissuade Michael.But Michael, overcome with worry for the car's occupants, knew he couldn't just sit idly by. "Please, I can't ignore this. There might be someone who needs help! Call the emergency services!"The old taxi driver's weathered face betrayed a touch of hesitation, his gnarled fingers slowly reaching for his cell phone. "Son, the tunnel has no network. I'll have to move away to make the call," he replied, reluctance tugging at his voice.Desperation etched across his face, Michael pleaded with all his might. "Please, sir. I beg you. We can't waste any time. Lives could be at stake!"Moved by
A paramedic, a seasoned professional with a stern expression, leaned over the motionless figure lying before him. "We can't waste any time. His condition is critical," he exclaimed, voicing the urgency that hung heavy in the air. Michael fidgeted with nerves as he watched them in awe, amazed at their expertise. One of the paramedics glanced up at him in surprise. "Hey, you alright? Did you witness the accident?" she asked, concern lacing her voice."No, I was here's when it happened," Michael replied, his voice shaky. "I'm just glad you're here to help."The paramedic looked at Michael in admiration. "You did a good job guiding us here. Quick thinking can make all the difference in situations like these."Michael nodded gratefully, trying to ignore the conversation happening among the paramedics. They seemed bewildered by the state of Robert's wound. "It's incredible that he's still conscious. That wound is massive." Another paramedic exclaimed suprise.As they carefully loaded Rob
47Douglas furrowed his brow, concern etching his features. "I understand your worry, sir, but perhaps there's still hope. Michael is young, after all, and he's had a sheltered upbringing. Maybe he just needs a wake-up call or some exposure to the real world to ignite his ambition."Edward nodded thoughtfully, contemplating Douglas' words. "You may be right, Douglas. It's possible that he hasn't faced enough challenges or adversity to truly appreciate what's at stake. If things don't improve, we'll have to consider bringing in someone else who is better prepared for the responsibilities that come with leading our conglomerate."A sense of loss tinged Edward's voice, as if the idea of Michael not living up to his potential brought him a deep sorrow. "He is my son, and I had always hoped that he would be the one to carry on our family legacy. But if he can't rise to the occasion, we must prioritize the success of our company above all else."Douglas placed a reassuring hand on Edward's
48Robert's features contorted with a mix of emotions, including a touch of anger. He vehemently denied Michael's claim."That's not true!" Robert interjected, his voice laced with frustration. "I don't remember anyone saving me or calling an ambulance. This is just another lie!"Michael exchanged a puzzled glance with the woman, his mind spinning with disbelief. How could Robert called him a liar instead of thanking him? What an ungrateful moron! Shaking his head in anger, Michael confronted Robert, "If I didn't save your life, then how did I know about the accident and the hospital you were admitted to? And tell me, who do you think paid for your care? Certainly not you."Robert looked at him, stunned and shocked. He couldn't believe what Michael was saying. Denying everything, he retorted, "This is ridiculous! I don't owe you anything. You can't just come here and make up stories."Michael's face flushed with anger as he shot back, "I'm not making anything up! I saved your life an
49Robert's face hardened, his jaw clenched tightly. He stared at Hilary, but remained silent, his emotions simmering beneath the surface.Hilary gasped, her hand instinctively flying to her mouth. Confusion etched across her face, she urgently asked, "Which money? Where did it go? And why?"Robert's embarrassment was palpable as he finally spoke up, his voice tinged with frustration and bitterness. "I attended a seminar where Billy James was supposed to be. It was my chance to meet him, impress him, and make a difference. But this guy," he said, pointing angrily at Michael, "spoiled everything. Michael stole the show, impressing Billy James in my place and overshadowing my $200,000 donation with a staggering $5,000,000 donation."Hilary's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising with each passing second. "Five million dollars? Michael donated five million dollars? Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she exclaimed, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the situation.Robert's resp