AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Applause from the audience washes over us, and I realize that I’ve been lost in my thoughts again. I had barely heard all the nice things that Dr. Young just said about me.
But now, he raises his voice to share an unexpected twist to the evening’s proceedings.
“Before we proceed to the presentation of the award, I have some exciting news to share,” he begins, a glint of enthusiasm in his eyes. “As you all know, we at MediTech Visionaries established this award not only to recognize the achievement of young individuals in our field, but also to provide some much-needed aid to the less fortunate. Which is why the money that’s tied to this award does not go to the honoree, but to a charity of their choice.”
He pauses to look at me, and I nod in agreement, fully aware of this longstanding tradition. I knew that much, and have already compiled a list of charities that I would like to give to.
“But this year, we’ll have to do things a little differently,” he goes on, adding a reassuring wink when I throw him a bewildered look. My brow furrows in curiosity. Where is he going with this?
“This is very short notice, but we were contacted by a very generous sponsor at the eleventh hour. And when I say generous, I mean it. This sponsor promised to double this year’s award money!” Dr. Young says, while the room starts to buzz with astonishment, and my eyes widen in disbelief.
My confusion only deepens, when Dr. Young continues on with his speech.
“Of course, we couldn’t say no to that, could we? But, this generous offer does come with a little catch—something which I’m sure Miss Hailey will have no problem with,” he continues.
He’s winking at me again and I wish I had been informed about this before stepping onto the stage. Now I’m standing here looking like I’m lost in the fog. What catch is he talking about?
“But enough from me,” Dr. Young starts to wrap up. “I think it’s best for our benevolent sponsor to introduce himself and explain everything. May I ask Mr. Chase Keaton to the stage?”
What?!
I can’t stop my jaw from dropping, unable to hide the sense of pure and utter shock as I watch Chase appear from somewhere behind me. He takes his place right next to me, casting me the biggest, most condescending grin I have ever seen as he grabs the microphone from Dr. Young’s hand.
Chapter 17
Chase
The shock in Madison’s eyes is barely concealed. I can see it even amidst the applause and the flush of excitement that dances across her cheeks. Her attempt to mask her surprise is impressive, yet I can’t help but notice the telltale flicker of uncertainty in her gaze.
I clear my throat, my voice resonating through the microphone as I begin my introduction.
Meanwhile, Madison takes a step away from me when I place myself next to her.
“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow supporters of public health,” I begin, my tone measured and confident. “I stand before you as the CEO of Keaton Care Solutions and sponsor of this year’s Innovator’s Excellence Award.”
I take a moment to let the weight of my words settle in. The room is attentive, the air filled with a sense of curiosity and expectation.
“But,” I continue, after a slight pause for emphasis, “I am also the founder of Chasing Miracles Child Aid, a charity dedicated to providing access to special healthcare services for children living in poverty.”
The audience’s reaction is a mixture of surprise and appreciation. Chasing Miracles Child Aid has made a significant impact in recent years, garnering attention and support for its noble cause. My dual roles as a healthcare industry leader and a philanthropist are well-known, and it’s a reputation I’ve worked hard to cultivate.
However, it doesn’t seem like Madison was aware of any of this. She’s obviously trying to suppress her emotions but fails to hide her surprise at my words. I notice the way her eyes flit in my direction with a spark of astonishment.
I knew it. I knew this would catch her attention. Boyfriend or not, she’s forced to look at me in a different way now.
My thoughts drift back to the moment when I was approached to sponsor this prestigious award. At first, I had been hesitant, the idea of tying my company’s name to yet another philanthropic endeavor seeming redundant.
My perspective shifted when Madison’s uncle told me that she was this year’s honoree. I saw an opportunity, and I took it.
I continue to talk about my foundation and its cause, highlighting our many achievements from the past few years, while I relish the appreciative looks and nods coming from the audience.
Next to me, Madison seems to grow stiffer and stiffer with every word.
“And now, let me elaborate on that little catch our distinguished Dr. Young was talking about,” I announce, my gaze shifting to Madison. “It’s true that I intend to double this year’s prize money, but under one condition: I would like for a good chunk of that money—half, to be exact—to be used to support ‘Young Chasers’, the newest project established by Chasing Miracles Child Aid. ‘Young Chasers’ aims to support High School Students who are considering a career in the medical field, but may lack the support—financial or otherwise—to pursue their goal. We want to make it possible for every single child out there to achieve their dreams, especially when they are as noble as this. A worthy cause, wouldn’t you agree, Miss Hailey?”
We lock eyes, and I know she has no choice other than to respond with a nod and a polite smile, which is exactly what she does. Her lips are pressed into a thin line, revealing the tension that keeps her in a firm grip.
“Well, then it is with the utmost privilege that I present the Innovator’s Excellence Award, sponsored by Keaton Care Solutions, to the remarkable Madison Hailey.”
