Chapter 8 - The Microphone and the Silence
"Many of you know me as a doctor,"
Isabella said,
her voice gaining strength.
"But before I went to medical school,
I served in the United States Navy."
"And during my time in service,"
"I had the privilege of serving under one of the finest officers in the history of our fleet."
The room was now deathly silent.
The mention of the military always commanded a certain kind of respect in these circles,
even if it was a world they didn't understand.
Walter looked confused,
his brow furrowed as he tried to figure out where this was going.
Shane stopped laughing,
his glass frozen halfway to his lips.
"This officer taught me that true power doesn't come from a bank account,"
Isabella continued,
her gaze sweeping the ballroom.
"It comes from sacrifice."
"It comes from duty."
"And it comes from the courage to stand up for what is right,"
"even when everyone else is telling you to stay silent."
I felt the blood rushing to my face,
a warmth I hadn't felt in years.
I didn't want the attention,
not really.
I was happy with my quiet life,
my stars,
and my crew.
But Isabella wasn't doing this for me.
She was doing this for Mason.
And she was doing this to break the Foley curse once and for all.
"She is a woman who walked away from everything she knew,"
"to serve something greater than herself."
"She is a woman who has commanded thousands,"
"and protected the freedoms we all enjoy tonight."
The guests were looking around now,
whispering frantically.
"Who is she talking about?"
"Is there a General here?"
"A Senator?"
Walter leaned forward,
his eyes scanning the head table.
He looked at the men in their expensive suits,
searching for a face he recognized from the news.
He never even glanced at Table 42.
Isabella turned her body toward the back of the room,
pointing her hand directly at the hidden speaker and the decorative palm.
"Everyone,
please raise your glasses,"
she announced,
her voice ringing with a deep,
unwavering pride.
"For a toast to the guest of honor."
May you like
"The woman who taught me how to be a leader,"
"and the person Mason and I admire most in this world."
