A few minutes later, Edward approached Daniel with a smile.
"Your speech was excellent."
"Thank you."
Edward glanced toward Vanessa.
"Is everything all right?"
Daniel followed his gaze.
"Everything is fine."
Edward studied him.
"Is that someone from your past?"
"Yes."
"An old friend?"
Daniel smiled slightly.
"Something like that."
Edward understood that Daniel did not want to discuss it.
"Well, I hope you know something. Tonight isn't just about money or acquisitions. It's about the kind of people we choose to build with."
Daniel nodded.
"That's exactly why I agreed to this partnership."
Edward placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Your parents would be proud."
Daniel's expression softened.
His parents had supported him when he had almost nothing.
His mother had worked long hours as a nurse.
His father had spent decades repairing cars.
They had never owned a luxurious home, but they had taught Daniel that respect should never depend on someone's financial position.
His father used to say, "You can learn a person's character by watching how they treat someone who cannot do anything for them."
Daniel had never forgotten those words.
And tonight, they had become more relevant than ever.
Later that evening, the event continued.
Guests approached Daniel to congratulate him.
Several investors requested meetings.
A journalist asked for an interview.
The foundation's announcement attracted considerable attention.
Vanessa watched from a distance.
She considered approaching Daniel.
At first, she wanted to apologize.
Then she wondered whether an apology might create an opportunity to reconnect.
Perhaps he could introduce her to important people.
Perhaps he could help Richard's company.
Perhaps he might remember the years they had spent together and become interested in rebuilding their relationship.
But every time she imagined approaching him, she remembered what she had said earlier.
"People who actually contribute something meaningful to society."
"Some people never actually get anywhere."
She had said those words without knowing the truth.
And now she understood that the problem had never been Daniel's circumstances.
The problem had been her attitude.
Eventually, she found him standing near the terrace entrance.
"Daniel?"
He turned.
"Yes?"
"Can we talk?"
"Of course."
Vanessa took a breath.
"I want to apologize for earlier."
Daniel nodded.
"Thank you."
"I shouldn't have said those things."
"No, you shouldn't have."
She looked surprised by his direct response.
"I was just caught off guard."
Daniel remained calm.
"Being surprised doesn't give anyone permission to disrespect another person."
Vanessa lowered her eyes.
"I know."
There was a long silence.
Then she asked:
"Are you happy?"
Daniel considered the question.
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Yes."
She looked at him.
"I always thought you would eventually become successful. I just didn't think it would happen like this."
Daniel gave a faint smile.
"Success doesn't always happen according to someone's schedule."
Vanessa nodded.
"I suppose not."
She hesitated.
"Do you ever think about what happened between us?"
"Sometimes."
"Do you hate me?"
Daniel looked directly at her.
"No."
Her eyes became slightly emotional.
"Why not?"
"Because holding on to anger would only keep me connected to something that ended a long time ago."
Vanessa swallowed.
"I was young."
"So was I."
"I made a mistake."
"Everyone does."
She looked toward the city.
"I thought money would make me happy."
Daniel did not interrupt.
"I thought being with someone successful would solve everything. I thought I needed a certain lifestyle to prove that I had made it."
He listened quietly.
"But tonight, when I saw you standing here, I realized how wrong I was."
Daniel nodded.
"That's something worth thinking about."
Vanessa looked at him again.
"Do you think you could ever forgive me?"
Daniel smiled politely.
"I already have."
She seemed relieved.
Then she asked another question.
"Could we start over?"
Daniel's expression became more serious.
"Vanessa, forgiveness doesn't mean returning to the past."
She looked down.
"I understand."
"I hope you find what you're looking for. But my life has moved in a different direction."
For several seconds, neither spoke.