Chapter 269 - Safe From Predators (2/2)

Olivia caught on to what Queen Isla was up to, so she clasped the queen's hand with her. ”Don't bother, Mom. I don't mind at all.”

”Are you sure? We can ask someone to check it for you.”

”Yes. It's just that my name is under my chosen charity. I'm afraid that my representative wasn't given a seat as well, but… oh,” Olivia's voice died down upon seeing her plus one for tonight walking with the organizer.

”Oh? What oh?” Queen Isla's eyebrows furrowed, her face painted with concern.

”We have nothing to worry about,” Olivia reassured Queen Isla. ”I just saw her hanging around so we're all good.”

Queen Isla's hand flew to her c.h.e.s.t, relief sn.a.k.e.d through her veins at the sight of the charity's organizer walking towards their table who was towing who could be Olivia's charity representative.

”Your Majesty.” The two ladies curtsied. ”This is Inca Moqueda from Go Share Organization.”

”Omo,” Queen's Isla gasped. Her eyes so wide with surprise darted to Olivia. ”Congratulations in advance.”

”P.l.e.a.s.u.r.e is all mine, Your Majesty,” Inca Moqueda responded, slightly bowing her head to hide her elation when Queen Isla winked at her.

The organizer then pulled out the chair for Inca to sit upon, giving her the VIP seat reserved for that year's Hope Gala awardee.

A few minutes later, the lights inside the hall dimmed, and everyone went back to their respective seats.

Even with Queen Isla's protests, Olivia explained to her mother-in-law that she didn't want to steal the spotlight of the event just by sitting with the Suis.

The simple act of staying at the same table as the royal family would raise eyebrows, which would end up with Olivia unexpectedly getting on the hot seat.

”I know everyone's excited to see who would bring home tonight's most prestigious award,” Fiona trailed off.

”But before that, the Hope Foundation would like to recognize a member of our society who never forgot to give back to the community who are in need.

”For years, he helped fund the House of Kori, a shelter for girls and women who were victims of abuse. He covered free post-traumatic care, subsidized education, and even went as far as welcoming them to the Lin empire.

”Everyone, let's give a round of applause to the big man with a big heart, the head honcho of Lin Prime Holdings, Mr. Henry Lin!”

The hall erupted with a thunderous reception of hand-clapping, and the spotlight moved along Henry Lin.

It followed him from his seat and as he walked towards the center stage where Fiona stood with a golden trophy in hand.

Standing side by side, Fiona presented the trophy to Henry Lin before passing the mic to him. Soon the deafening claps died down as everyone's ears perked up to listen.

”Wow, I suppose the rumors are true. This trophy is quite on the heavy side of the scale,” Henry Lin quipped, earning him a cheer from his audience.

”I honestly wasn't expecting to receive an award tonight, so thank you so much Hope Foundation. It might be my name on the door, but I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the CSR team's efforts as well.

Another round of applause echoed and bounced on the walls, and Henry Lin basked in the triumph and glory of seeing and hearing people's recognition on his name.

Fiona spoke, following the script in her hands, ”But Mr. Lin, I heard the House of Kori had a special place in your heart. Would you mind sharing the background story with the rest of us?”

”Yes, yes. It felt like it just happened yesterday. But it was the birth of my fraternal twin girls which pushed me to protect the lives of those who needed shelter to keep them safe from predators. So to my princesses Alexa and Olivia, daddy's award is for you.”

Henry Lin raised the golden trophy in the air and everyone applauded. When noise subsided, Henry Lin's eyes shifted from the award to the Lin Family's table.

Everyone followed his gaze like lambs being hoarded in the hill, and everyone saw the almighty Henry Lin's eyes turned glassy.

Some felt it was genuine tears, yet those who were keen to the loathsome man's true nature just hid their smirks behind their cups.