Chapter 135 The Charity Gala

Chapter 135 The Charity Gala
The main hall of the downtown hotel is filled with soft music, warm golden lights, and the hum of quiet conversation. Tonight, the Kraken are hosting their annual sports gala to raise money for pediatric medical care. The entire room is set up with decorated tables, floating balloons, and long display boards showcasing the items for the charity auction.

I stand near the entrance of the main display area, wearing a simple black suit, holding a small glass of water. Beside me, Klaus looks handsome in his dark fitting suit, his hand resting gently against the small of my back as we look over the wall of photos.

Hanging in a long, elegant row are twelve framed prints from my championship series. They capture the raw, emotional moments of our season—the sweat, the tears in the locker room, the quiet hugs between players, and the golden confetti falling from the ceiling. Underneath the central picture of Klaus holding the trophy high, a small printed sign reads: All proceeds go directly to the Children's Hospital Pediatric Care Wing.

"They look incredible, Liam," Klaus says softly, leaning down to speak near my ear. "You brought this whole room to life."

"My heart is still racing a little," I admit with a quiet smile, turning to look up at him. "Knowing that these prints are going to help kids who are sitting in the same hospital rooms Leo stayed in... it means more to me than any award ever could."

"You did that," Klaus says, his dark eyes filled with genuine pride and affection. "Your heart built this gallery."

James walks over to us, wearing a sharp tie and carrying a small bid tracking tablet in his hands. He has a massive smile on his face as he looks at the display board.

"The silent bids are already coming in fast," James says, pointing at the screen. "Your picture of the team huddle just hit ten thousand dollars, Liam. People are fighting over these prints."

"You're kidding," I say, my mouth opening in surprise. "Ten thousand?"

"I told you," James laughs, patting my shoulder. "Your work speaks to people. Own it, man."

Before I can answer, the quiet noise in the hallway changes. A few quiet gasps and whispers break out near the front double doors of the hall.

Klaus and I both turn our heads to look. Stepping into the room is Victoria, wearing a formal navy blue dress. She walks slowly, her head held up, but her hands are clasped tightly in front of her. It has been months since anyone on the team saw her after all the trouble she caused during the regular season.

She glances around the grand room, ignoring the cool stares from the staff and players, and walks straight toward the table where two senior team directors are standing.

"Is that... Victoria?" James asks, his voice dropping low, his tone filled with instant annoyance. "What is she doing here? Nobody invited her."

"She's trying to make peace," Klaus says calmly, his arm tightening around my waist, keeping me grounded beside him. "She knows the new season is starting, and she wants to rebuild her standing with the board before the opening game."

We watch from across the room as Victoria stops in front of the two directors. She speaks softly, offering a tight, polite smile, reaching out her hand to shake theirs. But the directors keep their hands by their sides, giving her brief, cold nods before politely turning away to talk to another guest.

Victoria stands there alone for a long moment, her cheeks turning slightly red. She turns her head, and for a quick second, her eyes meet mine across the crowded room.

There is a brief beat of tension in the air. Months ago, seeing her would have made my stomach twist with anxiety and hurt. But looking at her now, standing isolated in the middle of a room filled with people who no longer trust her, I don't feel anger anymore. I just feel calm.

Klaus doesn't step toward her, nor does he say a single harsh word. He simply turns his body, blocking her line of sight, and looks down at me with absolute warmth in his eyes.

"Let's go check on the main stage," Klaus says softly, completely ignoring her presence. "The live auction is starting."

"Yeah," I smile, letting go of the old past completely. "Let's go."

We walk together toward the front stage, leaving Victoria and the quiet drama far behind us.

Coach Vance steps up to the microphone, tapping it twice to get the attention of the crowd. The broad room falls quiet as the guests take their seats at the round tables.

"Welcome, everyone," Vance begins, his deep voice carrying clearly through the speakers. "Tonight is about giving back to the young fighters who need our support the most. This year, we are proud to present a one-of-a-kind auction feature: the official Championship Collection, shot by our very own lead photographer, Liam."

The room breaks into a loud round of applause. My cheeks warm up, and Klaus claps his broad hands together right beside me, winking down at me.

"We will start the bidding for the entire complete set at twenty thousand dollars," Vance announces.

Immediately, a hand goes up near the front row. "Thirty thousand!"

"Forty thousand!" another voice calls out from the left side.

"Fifty!"

My breath catches in my throat. I hold Klaus's hand tightly under the table, my fingers squeezing his as the numbers keep climbing higher and higher. The energy in the room builds into a thrilling, joyful roar as guests stand up to place their bids.

"We have eighty thousand on the floor," Vance calls out, looking around the room with a wide smile. "Do I hear ninety?"

A wealthy local businessman near the center aisle raises his hand high. "One hundred thousand dollars!"

The crowd lets out a collective gasp, followed by an explosion of loud cheers and clapping.

"Going once, going twice..." Vance smiles, bringing his small wooden hammer down with a firm tap. "Sold for one hundred thousand dollars to the Children's Hospital Wing!"

The entire room stands up, giving a roaring ovation.

I sit there for a second, completely stunned, tears filling my eyes as the reality of the moment sinks into my heart. One hundred thousand dollars. That money will buy new beds, medical equipment, and toys for hundreds of sick children sitting in hospital rooms just like the one Leo recovered in.

Klaus pulls me up from my chair and wraps his strong arms around me, pulling me into a tight, warm hug. He kisses the side of my head softly as the crowd continues to cheer.

"Look what you did, Liam," Klaus whispers close to my ear, his voice thick with deep emotion. "You changed lives tonight."

"We did it," I whisper back, burying my face into his shoulder for a quick second, feeling a wave of pure happiness wash over me.