"This is a great opportunity to stand before you all today, to speak about how we at the Harrington Tech Cooperation see the world and how we picture it to be." Anastasia's voice was clear now, steady and calm as it echoed through the grand hall.
She could feel hundreds of eyes on her, but for the first time, she wasn't afraid.
'I won't be needing this script,' she thought as she gently placed her notes to the side of the podium. 'This has to come from my heart.'
She looked around the room, scanning familiar and unfamiliar faces, shareholders, staff, dignitaries, even the press.
Her eyes briefly met Mason's, then flicked to Nicholas, and finally rested on Valerie, who stood near the back with a stony face.
"We all know how important education is in our world, especially with the fast growth of technology and infrastructure that support our day-to-day activities," Anastasia began again, this time walking gently away from the podium as her confidence grew with every word.
