The lights were blinding.

They always were at events like this, but today they seemed especially harsh, unforgiving and almost sacred. Every flash of a camera burned white across my vision. The air was thick with perfume, anticipation, and curiosity.

I stood at the podium, heart steady, smile precise.

“Once again,” I said, my voice smooth through the microphone, “thank you for being part of this journey. Ace Logistics & Dynamics is not just a company. It is a story, of growth, of risk, ...