The ballroom fell completely silent.
Hundreds of guests turned toward the stage.
Ricardo stood frozen beside Isabela, feeling every eye in the room shift toward them.
“Elena…” he began.
She smiled.
“Please, Ricardo. Come join me.”
The smile never reached her eyes.
Dr. Montenegro stepped aside, allowing them access to the stage.
Neither Ricardo nor Isabela had much choice.
Refusing would only attract more attention.
With stiff smiles and pounding hearts, they walked forward.
The moment they reached the stage, Elena took the microphone again.
“Thank you all for being here tonight.”
The guests watched closely.
Many of them knew the Molinas.
Most assumed they were witnessing an ordinary charity gala.
