Chapter 236: Chapter 251

Chapter 0251 Chapter 0251 “As you may know,” I began, hanging out pamphlets to everyone at the table, “my eating disorder awareness campaign is coming to a close. To mark this milestone and raise final funds for our new facility, I propose we host a charity gala.”

I clicked through my presentation, showcasing elegant venues and detailing the donation goal for the event.

“My goal would be to raise $50,000 to put toward building the facility,” I said.

Just as I was about to say more, I heard a scoff from across the table. I turned to Leonard, Noah’s chief financial officer, who was leaning forward in his chair.

“Something to say, Leonard?” Noah asked.

“If I may, Leonard said, to which I nodded. “How exactly do you intend to raise $50,000? That’s quite a steep goal.”

“Well, I was going to suggest we hire the local opera troupe to perform,” I replied coolly. “Their involvement would drum up excitement and attract high-profile donors. We could hold the gala at the opera house.”

Leonard pressed his lips into a thin line, but said nothing. Around the table, I saw a few people taking notes and nodding their heads. Noah, however, remained silent–for now, at least. Although when I looked at him, he looked more thoughtful than anything.

I clicked to the next slide, showing a mock–up of the event layout. “The opera performance will be the centerpiece of the evening,” I continued, “but after the performance, the gala will move to the ballroom in the opera house, where food and drink will be served, and-”

“And what of the costs associated with such an event?” Leonard suddenly interrupted. “Hiring an opera troupe isn’t cheap, you know.”

I froze for a moment, taken aback by Leonard’s demeanor. He had never liked me much, that much I was certain, but to interrupt me twice in the middle of my presentation. Well, it was a bit rude.

Still, I pulled my shoulders back again and answered him easily.

“I understand your concern as CFO, Leonard, But I’ve done a cost analysis, which you’ll find on-page five of the handouts. While there are significant upfront costs, our projected return on investment is substantial. Plus, the opera troupe has agreed to perform at a discounted rate due to the charitable nature of the event.”

“And what about security?” Leonard asked, not even checking the pamphlet. “After recent... events, we need to ensure the safety of all attendees, especially you and Alpha Noah.”

When he finished, his gaze was loaded as it rested on me. I felt my face flush slightly at the reminder of what had happened at the waterfall–no doubt he was implying that it was my fault that it had happened at all.

1 glanced at Noah, who gave me a small, encouraging nod.

“I’ve also factored in enhanced security measures,” I explained. “The venue has its own security team, +25 BONUS Chapter 0251 which we’ll supplement with our pack guards. I assure you, Leonard, every precaution will be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all. Now, may I finish my presentation or will you continue interrupting me?”

There was a smattering of chuckles around the table at my remark. Even Noah, remaining silent, seemed to hide a tiny smirk behind his hand. Leonard’s face reddened, but he nodded, leaning back in my chair.

As I finished my presentation a little while later, I clicked off the PowerPoint and turned back to the table. “We’ll open the room to questions now that the presentation is over,” I said, shooting Leonard a meaningful glance..

The room was silent for a moment, and I felt my confidence waver ever so slightly. I glanced at Noah, hoping for some sign of support, but his expression remained neutral.

Before he could say anything, Leonard, of course, cleared his throat. “Luna Hannah,” he began, tenting his fingers in his lap, “while your presentation was... thorough, I still have some concerns.”

I steeled myself, forcing a polite smile. “Of course, Leonard. What other concerns do you have?”

Leonard paused, almost for dramatic effect. “If I may speak plainly?” he asked.

“Speak as plainly as you wish,” I said, even though I really wanted to throw my presentation clicker in his face.

“To put it bluntly,” he said, “this entire gala is... Well, preposterous.”