Not long after Andrew and Aspen arrived, a middle-aged man in a formal robe stepped onto the stage and addressed the room.

"Thank you all for coming to the capital's official charity event. As always, I'm Derek McCormick. No long speeches—everyone, just show your sincerity. I hope we can all give something back and help those struggling in the poorer regions of Gabo Creek Province."

He did not say much—just brief sentences—before setting down the mic and stepping off. And yet, no one had a s