No one cared anymore—except me, the one who had been toyed with like a dog.
I returned to the corner, phone in hand, watching coldly as the Zamora family wove effortlessly among the guests.
The segment that had originally been meant to introduce me was quietly canceled.
Instead, the announcement that Cedrick would soon be appointed Deputy Director of the CEO's Office made him the undisputed protagonist of the banquet.
People crowded around him, flattering smiles plastered on their faces. Cedrick's cheeks were flushed with excitement, his laughter sharp and grating as it rang through the hall.
After finishing a round of socializing, Mr. Chandler walked over to me.
He hesitated, then lowered his voice.
"Young man... are you from the Life Research Institute?"
My heart tightened.
I instinctively straightened, then shrank back slightly, studying his face more carefully.
It looked... familiar.
Before I could respond, a sudden wave of cheers erupted from the center of the hall.
"Thank you all for your trust!" Cedrick raised his glass high.
"I promise we'll live up to expectations! Come—this toast is to everyone!"
Applause and praise followed immediately.
"Chairman Zamora really raised a fine son."