Chapter 245


    This waspletely unexpected. I never thought that Mayor Arlen would throw in such a proposal,


    catching me off guard.


    Even Jan, who was standing next to me, looked at me in surprise.


    I mean, this was supposed to be his celebration party, and yet, I seemed to be stealing his thunder!


    To be honest, hearing that proposal all of a sudden left me feeling ttered. I hadn’t been in the


    spotlight for quite some time, let alone making speeches. I was definitely nervous.


    But when all eyes were on me, I gathered up my courage, took a deep breath, and waved back at


    everyone.


    Jan quickly whispered in my ear, "Aaliyah, can you handle it?"


    His question clearly held doubt. His limelight would be taken away if I took the stage, after all.


    I smiled confidently at him, not hesitating as I strutted towards the podium.


    I muttered to myself, determined to show him that I was more than capable of handling the situation.


    Renata, for her part, probably didn’t expect Mayor Arlen to change the course of events. She was


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Seeing me confidently making my way onto the stage, she awkwardly stepped aside.


    Once I was on the stage, a wave of nostalgia hit me. This stage was rightfully mine, and it was my poor


    choices that almost made me lose it.


    I took a moment to look at the crowd, which fell quiet instantly. I gathered my emotions and started my


    speech, expressing my genuine feelings.


    I began by talking about the initial purpose of my business. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. From the


    inception of thepany to its growth and finally the establishment of the corporation, I covered all the


    issues raised by the mayor. I discussed the challenges encountered during the process and the ns I


    had as a businesswoman, hoping for government support...


    I boldly shared everything, my eloquent speech earning enthusiastic apuse, because I was voicing


    the concerns of all the businessmen present.


    In the midst of the apuse, I saw their approving nods and praises.


    The hall was filled with deafening apuse - all for me.


    At that moment, I felt reborn, like I found myself again. As I stepped down from the stage, Catherine


    quickly came over, hugged me, and whispered, "You''re finally back!"


    I confidently smiled at her and said, "I never left!"


    Indeed, I never did. The days spent lying in bed were because I was too naive, believing there were no


    evils in this world. Since I’ve already faced death once, what more do I have to fear?


    It’s only when we are desperate that we find hope!


    Mayor Arlen certainly made things interesting. After my speech, he took the stage again for a closing


    remark, announcing cutting off the tedious procedures. He left more time for the businessmen to


    This was undoubtedly a huge relief. With such a good opportunity, who would want to listen to endless


    speeches? Everyone was eager to seize their opportunity.


    Many people came over to chat with me, but I didn’t receive any praise from the Dawson family, not


    even from Jan.


    At that moment, he was busyworking with Mayor Arlen, basking in the glory of his family’s business.


    Ronan came over, deliberately shaking my hand, whispering, "I see the confident you again, but more


    mature, steady, and assertive!"


    Finding my voice, I replied, "I have to be strong, for I am a mother now. I am not the same person as


    before. I will protect my children and my interests, and I will not back down." After saying this, I realized


    that my words might not have sounded too pleasing to the ears for him.