Return of the Crowned Heiress

Chapter 213

The young man was Vincent McLaren. His heart had sunk to its lowest depths as he watched the investors-the ones who could turn his dream into reality-file out one by one.

Even the organizer's assistant, Sidney Johnson, couldn't resist a jab. "Ah, you're not the first starry-eyed entrepreneur I've seen. Better luck next time. Maybe you'll get invited to the next conference—if you're lucky." The light in Vincent's eyes dimmed further, replaced by an unbearable weight of despair.

"There won't be a next time," he thought.

His small company of six had scraped together every cent to get to this moment, betting everything on a single shot. And he had let them all down by fumbling at the critical moment.

Closing his eyes, he felt a grim resolve take root. Maybe it was better to end it now-jump off a rooftop, leave behind the judgmental gazes of his colleagues and the crushing disappointment of his family. But just as that dark thought solidified, a clear and melodious voice rang out behind him.

"I can listen."

He spun around, stunned.

Standing there was a young woman, her face exquisitely serene, her expression warm and free of mockery or condescension.

Her gaze carried the same gentle reassurance he had felt earlier in the garden, like a breeze through the woods-calm yet uplifting.

a seat in

who had exuded polished confidence, Felicia sat casually, her jacket draped over the back of her chair, her white sweater paired with simple blue jeans, and an unassuming backpack entirely devoid of luxury branding. Sidney snorted, shaking his head as he muttered, "What's the point of pitching to a kid? She doesn't look like she can call the shots, let alone invest.

But Vincent ignored him.

plugged

his presentation with nees

determination, projecting his slides

onto the screen.

graphics

was the

garden.

spoke of his deep love for his creation-a love so fierce

never leaving the screen or

the hall fell silent for a moment before Felicia broke into

the first time all day, he felt a

said, smiling shyly. Gathering his things, he prepared to leave, content to have at least shared his vision with someone who cared. However, before

we going