OLIVER'S RISE TO INFLUENCE

CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR. A MOMENT OF HOLLOW GLORY.

Amid the lively atmosphere of the hall, the room gradually fell silent as Mrs. Thompson approached the microphone, her presence commanding the attention of everyone present.

The buzz of conversation died down as the guests turned their gazes toward her, eager to hear the evening’s opening address.

"Good evening, everyone," Mrs. Thompson began, her voice clear and welcoming. "I want to thank each and every one of you for making it to this special fundraising event for the orphanage."

She continued, "It’s a joy to see so many familiar faces, and even more so to see the young men and women who were raised within the walls of this orphanage, now standing tall and proud. Your support means the world, and it’s because of people like you that we continue to make a difference."

As the applause filled the room, Marcus, who had been simmering in his anger from the earlier confrontation with Oliver, straightened up immediately.

His mind raced, sensing an opportunity to once again assert his do