DOMINIC

I stepped onto the podium, the weight of every gaze in the room settling on me before I even said a word. The music softened into a distant hum, conversations faded, and in a matter of seconds, I had the undivided attention of New York’s most powerful men.

I let the silence stretch for just a moment longer, the corners of my lips lifting into the faintest smirk. Then, raising my glass, I leaned slightly toward the microphone.

“Good evening, everyone.”

Simple and direct, and ...