I continued reading: "She is young, yet possesses extraordinary talent and focus. She keeps a low profile, yet her achievements shine brilliantly."
"By unanimous decision of the Board of Directors, this year's Special Contribution Award goes to..."
I paused, letting my gaze land squarely on Dean's face.
The color had already begun draining from his cheeks. That confident smirk hung frozen in place—a poorly fitted mask starting to crack.
I looked away and announced clearly:
"From the R&D Department—Mabel Mason!"
"Winner of the Annual Special Contribution Award!"
Applause and cheers detonated simultaneously.
The spotlight swung to an unremarkable table tucked in the corner.
A young woman in black-framed glasses, her hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, scrambled to her feet. Bewilderment and disbelief were written across every feature.
A colleague gave her a nudge, and she finally snapped out of her daze, making her way to the stage on unsteady legs.
In that instant, Dean's face turned the color of raw liver.
It was a shade born of shock, humiliation, and barely contained rage all churning together.