Arianna had to attend the event, but her stained shirt was a problem. She thought about buying a new one from the school office, but it was too expensive.
As a 6th grader, she didn't carry much money, and she certainly didn't have enough on her for an emergency purchase like this.
Arianna didn't want to embarrass herself in front of the guests, so she decided to ask her friend Zora for help.
"Zora, do you have some spare money?" she asked, promising to pay her back later. However, Zora's friendship with Arianna was superficial, driven by Arianna's academic success rather than genuine affection.
Zora declined Arianna's request, saying she barely had enough money for bus fare. However, unbeknownst to Arianna, Zora came from a wealthy family and received $50 daily as pocket money, always getting driven to school in a car.
Arianna hesitated about going on stage, and with her name about to be called, she turned to Zora in desperation. "Zora, can you do me a favor? Will you collect my award for me?" Zora's eyes lit up at Arianna's plea, and she agreed, even offering to tell the teachers that Arianna was sick.
Arianna felt a pang of guilt but was relieved that she wouldn't have to go on stage herself, as long as she received the prize money directly into her account.
Zora confidently accepted the award on stage, impressing Louise with her academic achievements. Meanwhile, Arianna sat outside, tears streaming down her face as she grappled with the challenges of her financial situation while feeling grateful for her loving and supportive parents.
Louise returned home with his father after the award ceremony. His family owned the prestigious Dawson hotel, which was founded by his grandfather. After years of hard work, the hotel became a 7-star establishment.
His father, now vice president, had further expanded the empire by investing in the clothing industry, launching the Dawson group with franchises in several cities.
Vincent's father, George, had passed away in an accident 10 years ago. His mother, a talented fashion designer, served as CEO of Dawson Clothing.
With no power struggles, Louise's grandfather had smoothly handed over the chairmanship to his son Gerald, the former vice president.
Now, the spotlight seemed to be shifting to the next generation, with Louise poised to take on a prominent role.
As Louise, the exceptionally brilliant and poised heir to the Dawson empire, stepped out of his car and approached the girl with the award, Arianna's eyes widened in alarm, her heart racing with fear as she mistook his sleek black attire for that of a menacing thug, her mind frantically racing to protect her hard-won prize money, and in a flash of panic,
she prepared to sprint back to the safety of the school, but little did she know that this chance encounter would set off a chain of events that would forever alter the course of her life.
With a gentle tone, Louise tried to soothe Arianna's frazzled nerves, asking,
"Calm down, let me ask you a few questions," his words laced with kindness, as he pointed to the award and inquired,
"Where did you get that?" Arianna's eyes darted between the award and Louise, her confusion and wariness slowly giving way to a mix of curiosity and caution, unsure if she should reveal the truth.