Chapter 17 - The SpeechThe auditorium filled.
Fifty faces looked toward Evelyn.
She stepped onto the stage.
No diamonds.
No extravagant dress.
Just a simple black suit.
She looked at them.
"You may think you're here because someone chose you."
She paused.
"You're not."
The room became silent.
"You're here because someone finally gave you a door."
She smiled.
"And now it's your job to open it."
Applause erupted.
Evelyn continued.
"Money can buy attention."
A pause.
"Power can buy obedience."
She looked around.
"But neither can buy character."
The applause grew louder.
Evelyn felt something inside her finally settle.
May you like
The past was no longer chasing her.
It had become a lesson.
