The ballroom of the Four Seasons was transformed. White lilies replaced the usual roses. The tables were arranged in circles, encouraging conversation rather than the rigid rows of a corporate fundraiser. This was the one-year anniversary of the Chen Center. One year since Bella had signed the papers to rename the foundation, stripping away the Valerio name and claiming her own legacy.
Bella stood behind the heavy velvet curtain at the side of the stage. She could hear the murmur of the crowd. Five hundred people. Donors, community leaders, city officials, and the kids. The kids were the most important. Fifty of them sat at the front table, wearing matching blue shirts.
"Bella?" The event coordinator tapped her shoulder. "You're on in two."
Bella nodded. She smoothed the front of her dr
