Chapter 173: It was barely a minute, and you’re already exhausted?

Standing on the stage, Adrian looked out at the crowd gathered before him. He had never been the kind of person who enjoyed flaunting his achievements or making grand appearances.

However, tonight’s event was more than just a charity gathering. It represented a dream someone had once held—a dream Adrian had never imagined he would one day have the ability to bring to life.

After remaining in the shadows for far too long, he had finally decided to step forward. His intentions were clear, though he knew not everyone present shared the same purpose. Still, he had no intention of allowing that to ruin the evening.

"Good evening, everyone," Adrian began, his deep voice carrying across the hall. "Thank you all for taking the time to join us tonight. Your presence means more than you may realize."

The crowd grew quiet as they listened.

"This event is not simply about gathering donations. It is about extending a helping hand to those who need it and giving them opportunities they may not otherwise have. Every contribution, whether large or small, can make a meaningful difference."

He paused, his gaze moving across the room.

"I sincerely hope that each of you will offer your fullest support tonight. Together, we can turn generosity into real change and ensure that this event achieves the purpose for which it was created."

A warm round of applause filled the hall.

Adrian gave a slight nod, his expression remaining composed.

"Thank you once again for being here. I hope we can make this evening truly worthwhile."

Adrian smiled politely at the crowd before stepping down from the stage alongside Logan.

The moment they were out of the spotlight, Adrian’s shoulders slumped.

"Hush... I’m so tired," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "It’s been a while since I’ve spoken this much."

Logan stared at him in disbelief.

"It was barely a minute, and you’re already exhausted?" he asked. "Don’t forget, this is only the beginning of what you agreed to do."

Adrian gave him a tired look. "What I agreed to do? Come on. You were the one who came up with this idea in the first place."

Logan merely shrugged.

"Whose dream was it?"

That question struck Adrian so directly that he opened his mouth to respond, only to close it again.

Apart from Logan, hardly anyone knew what Adrian truly desired. Throughout his life, he had quietly donated to countless charities without seeking recognition. But this event was different. It was connected to a dream that held a special place in his heart—one he could no longer ignore.

"Well, I can’t argue with you about that," Adrian finally said, releasing a defeated sigh.

Logan was the only person who could understand him without needing an explanation. Unfortunately, that also meant he was the only person capable of silencing Adrian with a single question.

Adrian’s stomach suddenly growled.

"I’m hungry," he announced. "And I’m craving dessert."

Logan stopped walking and looked at him as though he had just heard the most unreasonable thing in the world.

"Boss, the event hasn’t even been going on for fifteen minutes."

"So?"

"We agreed you would stay for at least an hour."

Adrian frowned. "An hour is a very long time."

"You’ve already survived the speech."

"That was the difficult part."

Logan pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling less like an assistant and more like someone supervising a stubborn toddler.

"Please try to behave like a respectable chairman for another forty-five minutes."

Adrian glanced toward the dessert stalls.

"I can behave while eating."

"That is not what we agreed on."

"Then perhaps we should renegotiate."

Logan sighed.

Why does managing this man feel more difficult than managing an entire company?

While Logan was still trying to convince his boss to remain at the event, Vincent, who had been standing nearby, finally stepped forward.

"Mr. Graham, it’s an honor to finally meet you in person," he said with a polite smile.

Adrian turned toward him, his expression calm. However, after studying Vincent’s face for a moment, his brows slowly furrowed.

"Do I know you?"

Vincent’s smile stiffened.

For a brief moment, he felt as though someone had thrown a bucket of cold water over his head. He had carefully approached Adrian with the intention of making a good impression, only to be met with a question that made him feel completely insignificant.

Still, Vincent refused to let his embarrassment show.

"I’m Vincent Hayes," he introduced himself, maintaining his courteous expression. "The chairman of Hayes Corporation."

Adrian continued staring at him, clearly showing no sign of recognition.

"Mr. Hayes," Logan finally interjected.

The moment Adrian heard the name, something seemed to click. His brows rose slightly as he glanced at Vincent again.

"Ah," he said, his tone remaining rather indifferent. "Hayes Corporation."

Vincent’s smile widened, relieved that Adrian had finally remembered him.

Adrian might not have been physically involved in the daily affairs of his companies, but he paid close attention to the people and businesses he worked with. He knew which partnerships were worth considering and which names were better left forgotten.

The moment Logan mentioned Vincent Hayes, Adrian recalled the proposal Hayes Corporation had submitted—and the reason it had been rejected.

"Yes, I remember now," Adrian said.

Vincent straightened slightly. "I’m glad to hear that, Mr. Graham. I’ve been hoping to meet you for quite some time."

Adrian gave a faint nod.

"Have you?"

Vincent’s smile faltered at the blunt response.

Logan quietly looked away, already sensing that the conversation was not going to go the way Vincent had hoped.

Vincent’s smile remained fixed, though Adrian’s words made his expression slightly stiffen.

"Of course, Mr. Graham," he replied smoothly. "Hayes Corporation has always believed in supporting meaningful causes. We would be more than happy to contribute to tonight’s event."

Adrian regarded him with mild interest.

"More than happy?"

Vincent nodded eagerly. "Certainly. In fact, I was hoping to discuss a possible contribution with your team."

Logan’s eyes narrowed slightly. He was well aware that Vincent’s interest in the charity had appeared only after Hayes Corporation’s proposal had been rejected. The timing was hardly subtle.

"That’s generous of you, Mr. Hayes," Logan said. "Have you already decided on an amount?"

Vincent’s smile faltered for half a second.

"Well, I believe charity should come from the heart rather than be reduced to a number."

Adrian’s lips curved faintly.

"An admirable sentiment."

Vincent relaxed, thinking he had managed to avoid the question.

Then Adrian continued, "Though the organizers will still need a number when recording the donation."

Logan lowered his head, hiding a smile.

Vincent cleared his throat. "Naturally. I simply meant that the intention behind the donation is more important than the amount itself."

"Is that so?" Adrian asked.

"Of course."

"Then I’m sure you won’t mind making your intention clear tonight."

Vincent’s face tightened.

Adrian’s tone remained polite, but there was an unmistakable sharpness beneath his words. He had no interest in entertaining someone who was using a charity event as a stepping stone toward a business connection.

Vincent forced out a laugh.

"You certainly have a sense of humor, Mr. Graham."

"Do I?" Adrian asked, genuinely curious.

Logan finally looked up.

"Boss, please don’t encourage him."

Vincent cleared his throat when he realized what the two were discussing. He didn’t care if Adrian and Logan were making fun of him. Tonight, however, they would realize the mistake they had made by rejecting his proposal and choosing Clara’s newly established business instead.

"I heard you hired a newly established business for this event," Vincent said, carefully choosing his words. "Don’t you think that was a rather immature decision?"

Adrian turned his attention toward him, his expression calm.

"Well, Mr. Hayes, I’ve never been overly concerned with how much experience a person or company has, as long as they work with discipline and maintain the quality I expect."

He paused briefly.

"And yes, I chose a new business over a more experienced one because I saw potential in them."

Vincent nodded, pretending to agree.

"I understand that. However, sometimes experience does make a difference. Besides, we don’t know what this newly established business will actually bring to the table."

Adrian’s gaze shifted toward Clara and her team at the dessert counter. A faint smile touched his lips.

"Well, as long as they don’t serve expired products, I’m perfectly fine with giving them a chance."

Vincent’s expression froze.

He shot Adrian a sharp look, but Adrian only smiled meaningfully.

There had been rumors that Hayes Corporation had once faced legal trouble for selling expired products and using excessive artificial ingredients to enhance the flavor of its goods. Although Vincent had managed to settle the matter quietly, the incident had not been completely forgotten.

"I hope you understand what I mean, Mr. Hayes," Adrian said casually.

Vincent opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Adrian had managed to mock him without raising his voice or making a direct accusation. And somehow, that made the humiliation even worse.

Logan lowered his gaze, discreetly hiding his amusement.

Vincent forced a smile, though his face had already begun to darken.

"Of course, Mr. Graham," he replied stiffly.

Adrian gave him a polite nod before turning his attention back toward the event, leaving Vincent standing there, completely tongue-tied.