The emcee delivered a stirring account of Maxwell and Isabel's story, painting Maxwell as the picture of undying devotion, a man whose love transcended death itself.
Then Maxwell wheeled Antonia onto the stage.
Thunderous applause erupted across the hall.
He took the microphone, his gaze sweeping the audience with practiced emotion.
"Thank you all for being here tonight."
"As many of you know, Isabel gave her life to save mine all those years ago."
"That is a debt I will carry for the rest of my days."
"Now her sister, Antonia, is battling a terminal illness. As the man who loved Isabel, it is both my responsibility and my duty to look after her."
"That is why I've decided to transfer thirty percent of my shares in Gilbert Group to Antonia, free of charge."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Thirty percent of Gilbert Group. That was billions of dollars in assets.
Maxwell paused, and his gaze shifted deliberately to where I was sitting.
"I'd also like to thank my wife, Amy Fox."
"She has agreed to undergo bone marrow matching for Antonia, offering her own body to extend Antonia's life."
Every spotlight in the room swung onto me at once.