Backstage, I listened as a thousand conversations stopped. The silence reached the wings a moment before the announcer's voice did.
“And now, for our keynote address, it is my immense honor to introduce the visionary leader who has single-handedly reshaped the tech investment landscape.”
The announcer raised his voice. “Please join me in welcoming the Executive President of Vance Conglomerate!”
I stepped into the white spotlights with two of my father's most trusted senior executives beside me. Applause rolled through the hall, and the most powerful people in the industry stood to greet us.
Julian was in the front row.
His eager smile held for another second. Then he recognized me. The color left his face.
He tried to rise with everyone else, caught the seat with the back of his knee
