There was polite applause. Aurora kept her eyes on him, her instincts prickling.
Patrick gestured toward the side of the stage. "Please welcome a dear friend of mine, Victor Hawthorne."
The name made people straighten in their seats. Victor Hawthorne was a powerful man, and his reputation alone commanded respect.
Victor stepped onto the stage, his suit perfectly tailored, his expression calm but proud. He shook Patrick's hand firmly before facing the audience.
"Tonight," Victor said, "I am pleased to announce a new partnership between my company and Dawson Enterprises. Together, we are aiming for a future of success."
The crowd broke into loud applause. Aurora clapped politely, but her attention sharpened when Victor spoke again.
"To make this partnership even stronger," Victor continued, "I have decided that my daughter, Isabella, will lead this project on my company's behalf."
Aurora's eyebrows rose slightly. Isabella. Of course. The pieces began to fit together in her mind.
