Hundreds of eyes turned my way, some filled with admiration, others with pity.
Onstage, Maxwell extended his hand toward me, beckoning.
"Amy, come up here. Let everyone witness your generosity."
I set my glass down slowly. Under the weight of every stare in the room, I walked toward the stage, one measured step at a time.
Maxwell thought I'd caved. A smug, self-satisfied smile spread across his face.
But the moment I took the microphone from his hand, that smile froze solid.
I swept my gaze across the sea of guests, and when I spoke, my voice rang out clear and steady.
"Good evening, everyone."
"Mr. Gilbert just told you a very touching story. Truly moving."
"However, he seems to have forgotten one rather important detail."
I turned to face Maxwell, my eyes cutting into him like a blade.
"I never agreed to donate bone marrow."
"And as for Ms. Antonia Henson here, she doesn't have leukemia at all."
