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 single complaint. On the contrary, the room erupted into applause, with waves of praise echoing throughout the hall.

The reason was simple: the man was Derek McCormick, Governor of Gabo Creek—one of the highest-ranking officials in the province. He was a true regional powerhouse.

Andrew nodded with interest. "You can tell. The guy actually seems like a good leader."

Aspen rolled her eyes with a half-laugh. "Can you not act like that? Mr. McCormick is way above your league, and you talk like