Moments later, the hotel's general manager came rushing in.
He grabbed the microphone, barely containing his excitement. "Distinguished guests, please, your attention! Let us welcome, with the warmest applause, the leader of the State Commerce Investment Review Board's inspection team!"
Sara's eyes lit up. She immediately nudged Barret, who was still standing there in a daze.
"Barret! Forget about this crazy woman! The team leader is here! Come on, let's go greet him!"
That snapped Barret out of it. He shot me one last venomous glare.
"I'll deal with you later."
He let out a cold snort, then quickly straightened his suit jacket.
The two of them scurried toward the entrance like a pair of eager golden retrievers greeting their master.
Every guest in the banquet hall rose to their feet as well, craning their necks for a glimpse of the person rumored to be the youngest inspection team leader in the board's history.
I stood up too. Slowly.
I'd watched the show long enough. It was time for me to take the stage.
