Chapter 68 Mr Herbert

Chapter 68 Mr Herbert
Chapter 68

It turned out the entire event had another purpose.

This celebration was not only about the orphanage’s anniversary. It was also cleverly arranged to promote the newly developed resort hotel. If the organizers could donate some money and get a tax deduction in return, it was a perfect business exchange. After all, businessmen never do things at a loss.

The program began smoothly.

The children had prepared various performances and it was obvious they had practiced for a long time. One dance group, however, had a small accident. One little boy somehow performed every move in reverse order. The more serious he danced, the funnier it became, and the entire hall burst into laughter.

Oliver couldn’t help smiling.

Watching the children, her thoughts drifted back to the past.

She remembered how she used to be the one leading the dances on this very stage years ago. Those days at the orphanage had been warm and carefree. Looking back, they were the happiest times of her life… aside from the days she spent with her uncle.

After the final group song, the host announced the end of the performance and invited everyone to remain seated for the cocktail party.

But then Ivy suddenly walked onto the stage in an elegant evening gown.

Oliver frowned slightly.

Was Ivy planning to perform too?

The host quickly changed the background on the screen and tested the microphone.

“Please remain seated. We have a donation ceremony next.”

The hall quieted down.

The host spoke clearly, reading from the prepared script.

“Ms. Ivy, a long-time donor to New Hope Orphanage, has contributed millions over the years. It is her generosity that has helped the orphanage through difficult times and prevented it from shutting down. Her kindness and love are deeply moving.”

A staff member handed the host a plaque filled with countless zeros.

“Today, on this special anniversary, Ms. Ivy has decided to donate another one million to build a library for the children. Please give her a warm round of applause!”

Thunderous applause filled the hall.

Some of the children had tears in their eyes.

But Skye, standing at the side of the stage, looked uneasy. She glanced at Ivy with a complicated expression, as if she wanted to say something but didn’t dare.

Ivy stepped forward gracefully and took the microphone.

“I grew up in this orphanage,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “This place gave me the happiest childhood. After I was adopted by the Logan family and gained financial ability, I made a decision to give back to this family that raised me.”

She bowed deeply and wiped the corners of her eyes.

The flashes of cameras went wild. Some media outlets had already started livestreaming.

Ivy took the plaque and walked to Skye, placing it into her hands.

The host immediately said, “Let’s invite Skye, the acting director of New Hope Orphanage, to say a few words.”

Skye held the microphone but didn’t speak.

Her lips trembled slightly.

The host quickly took the mic back. “It seems Skye is too emotional to speak. Let’s give them another round of applause!”

The audience clapped even louder.

Ivy stood there, basking in admiration, feeling like she had reached the peak of her life.

Several former orphans whispered to each other.

“I didn’t know Ivy did so much for the orphanage.”

“She’s really kind.”

Even a few minor shareholders from the Luca family, who were invited to witness this event, nodded in approval.

“The Luca family found a good daughter-in-law.”

“Indeed. Our chairman has good taste.”

A few business owners quickly followed suit, donating money on the spot for publicity.

…

A while later, in the hallway near the restroom, Skye caught up to Ivy.

“Ivy… all these years, it was an anonymous donor supporting the orphanage. Isn’t it wrong for you to take credit? What if the real donor finds out?”

Skye looked anxious.

Ivy frowned.

“Hmph. That person likes doing things anonymously anyway. What’s wrong with me borrowing the reputation a little? Skye, help me out here. I need this to build a good image in the Luca family. You know my background isn’t good.”

“But…”

“But what? Are you planning to rely on that one person forever? What if he stops donating? If you don’t cooperate, I won’t donate that one million either. And those college students from the orphanage who want internships at our Logan company? Forget it.”

She pushed Skye’s hand away and walked off in her high heels.

Skye stood there helplessly before following her back.

Neither of them realized that they weren’t standing beside a wall.

They were beside a tall decorative screen.

Behind it, a wheelchair slowly rolled forward.

Herbert appeared, with Gavin right behind him.

Gavin’s expression was shocked.

“Boss… the person they’re talking about… isn’t that the account you asked me to investigate?”

Earlier that day, Gavin had come across a document thanking their boss for a three-million donation to the orphanage. Herbert had no memory of it and asked Gavin to check.

What Gavin found stunned him.

For seven consecutive years, an anonymous account had donated three million to the orphanage every year. Except this year.

Following the trail of that account, Gavin discovered who the owner was.

And the result shocked him.

Herbert’s gaze turned cold.

“Let’s go.”

He moved toward the banquet hall.

He had originally come because the Luca family invited him for collaboration on the resort project. He also knew Oliver was here and planned to find her after the event.

Gavin pushed the door open.

On stage, the CEO from the Luca family was speaking passionately when his voice suddenly faltered.

He stared toward the entrance.

His eyes widened.

Was that…

Mr. Herbert?

The audience noticed the pause and all turned toward the door.