Kourtney smiled brightly.

Goodness, it felt incredible to be acknowledged in such a way. She knew that the glamorous lights made her look radiant, but their astonishment ran deeper than appearance. She could tell that they couldn’t fathom why the most powerful man in the room would break his stoic persona for her.

And with each sound of approval from the crowd, Kourtney’s confidence began to swell, her earlier apprehensions replaced with a fiery determination. She turned toward her in-laws seated in the front rows.

Grandpa Woods was on his feet as he supported his frail legs with his walking stick. Kourtney blushed. The Old Man had a sparkle of...