Aubrey’s pov ;
Soft music played as a group of children walked onto the stage, their eyes wandered around the guests.
They were orphans, but they smiled brightly as they looked out at the room full of people who, they believed, were there to help them. My heart squeezed painfully in my chest as I watched them.
Davidson approached Ryder and me, beaming. "You two have such kind hearts," he said, smiling widely. "I’m glad to say, I’ll be sealing the deal with you, Ryder. I know this partnership will be a great opportunity for these kids."
Kind. The word echoed in my mind, and I could barely force a smile. Davidson’s words felt like knives. Am I really going to betray these innocent children? The guilt was suffocating me.
One by one, the kids made their way around the room, shaking hands with the guests. When they reached us, their small hands reached out, and I took them, feeling their tiny fingers wrap around mine.