Chapter 143
- GUSTAVO
- ~•~
- I stood at the podium, the bright spotlight warming my face while the room's chatter faded into a respectful quiet. Every eye locked on me. I gripped the edges of the podium lightly as I scanned the crowd below. Valentina sat at our table near the front, her emerald gown standing out like a beacon. I caught her gaze for a brief second, drawing a quiet strength from the subtle nod she gave me.