OLIVER'S RISE TO INFLUENCE

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT. THE GRAND UNVEILING.

The room was charged with a palpable tension, every guest on the edge of their seat, eyes wide with anticipation, as they awaited the reveal of this highly celebrated figure.

Mr. Damon’s voice, heavy with significance, cut through the silence: “It is my distinct pleasure to introduce and specially thank Mr. Oliver Howard.”

The name struck like a thunderclap, sending a wave of confusion through the crowd. Murmurs erupted like a sudden storm, as people exchanged puzzled glances.

“Who is this Oliver?” one guest hissed, clearly baffled.

“Never heard of him,” another remarked, the voice tinged with disbelief.

“Must be a mistake,” someone else suggested, their gaze searching desperately for a more recognizable figure.

“After all this hype, thought it would be someone famous," another guest whispered in disappointment, shaking their head as the room’s excitement turned to bewilderment.

Meanwhile, Mr. Smith’s face turned in sheer disbelief. The color drained from his cheeks as if a bucket of