"Are you serious?"
"Absolutely."
Darien looked at Eliana's serious face and couldn't help but sigh. Rich kids really are something else.
A million bucks—huge for most people, even for him—but for Eliana, probably just pocket change.
Since she'd taken the lead, Darien didn't argue. It was a good thing, after all.
"Mr. Reid," Eliana called.
The dean looked up from his paperwork.
"I'm donating a million too!" she said, smiling brightly.
Mr. Reid's eyes welled slightly. He nodded, barely able to speak.
The documents were quickly prepared. Darien and Eliana signed.
No ceremonies, no interviews—just action.
In front of all the kids, teachers, and staff, Mr. Reid introduced them and announced the plan: a new building.
The Lantern Home.
Applause erupted. No one expected that an ordinary day would bring a two-million-dollar donation to the Hope Welfare Institute.
From this moment on, today wasn't ordinary.
That evening, Darien and Eliana had a simple but filling dinner at the orphanage—"simple" meaning more meat than usual.
Ingredients were brought in from nearby, since the area was remote, but Darien didn't mind. Compared to the weird dishes back in Brindlemark, even this humble meal felt like a treat.
He skipped alcohol, driving and all.
Around seven, they said goodbye to Mr. Reid.
"Darien, Eliana, thank you for your donations. When construction on The Lantern Home starts, we'll keep you updated."
"Mr. Reid, just let us know if you need anything. We'll support however we can—financially or with supplies. I might not always be around, but I want the kids to have a better home."
Mr. Reid was moved to tears.
"On behalf of Hope Welfare Institute, thank you. Your generosity means so much—but don't let it affect your career. We're grateful, truly."
Darien smiled.
"Don't worry, Dean. Everything's fine."
"Alright, Darien, Eliana—safe travels."
The kids had all gone to bed. Mr. Reid and the staff watched them go, silently hoping that good people like Darien and Eliana would be around for a long time.
In the truck, Eliana looked at Darien.
"Those kids… I kind of want to adopt a few."
"Hold on."
"Why?"
"They're doing fine now, better than when I was here. And you're still young—you'll have your own life, maybe your own kids. Adopting on a whim isn't fair to anyone," he said.
He wanted her to understand: adoption wasn't a spur-of-the-moment choice—it carried real responsibility.
"Oh." Eliana realized she'd oversimplified it.
After a pause, she asked, "So… what do you think of The Lantern Home—the new building?"
Darien shrugged. "I'll see it for myself."
Eliana huffed. "Ugh, forget it. I'm done talking to you!"
She pouted, clearly annoyed.
...
"This is the place, right?"
Darien eyed the security stationed along the driveway of the sprawling Upper East Side townhouse. Even from the street, the place screamed money—black SUVs, manicured hedges, marble steps.
"Tsk… I knew you were loaded, but damn. Didn't realize it was this loaded," he muttered.
He shook his head, impressed by the sleek brownstone with floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop terrace.
Darien steered the truck toward a glass-and-steel mansion—Villa No. 1.
"Wanna come in?" Eliana asked casually.
"No, it's late. Don't want to bother your folks," he said politely.
"Okay," she replied, heading inside without another word.
Darien stayed put for a moment, taking in the sleek estate. Impressive, sure—but he chuckled.
"My castle's still bigger than this," he murmured.
---
🔍 Did you know?
- In the late 1800s, industrialists like Andrew Carnegie became major philanthropists, donating large sums to libraries, schools, and orphanages to support education and welfare for future generations.
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