Dean didn't seem to hear a word. His chest heaved violently.
Growing desperate, Mary reached under the table and seized his hand, her fingers locking around his palm, fighting to contain the explosion building inside him.
From the stage, I saw it all with perfect clarity.
Mabel had reached me now, still looking dazed.
I handed her the oversized award plaque and the ceremonial car key. Her hands trembled as she took them.
"Th-thank you, Chairman Dickerson... thank you to the company..."
She was so overwhelmed she could barely string words together.
"You earned it."
I smiled, shook her hand, and gave her shoulder a light pat.
The applause continued below. People rose to their feet, cheering.
Mabel clutched her prizes, her face flushed apple-red, bowing again and again.
After stammering through her acceptance speech, she floated off the stage in a happy fog, still hugging the award.
I cleared my throat and raised the microphone.
"Everyone, may I have your attention please."
The ballroom gradually quieted, all eyes returning to the stage.
"The year-end awards have now concluded."
"However, this year we have one more award... a very special one."
A ripple of curiosity stirred through the audience, whispers spreading like wildfire.
I gave a slight nod to the secretary standing at the side of the stage.
She approached carrying a square gift box draped in deep blue velvet, a silver ribbon tied around it that caught the light with understated elegance. Her steps were measured, unhurried. She placed the box on the podium before me.
It wasn't large, but it was exquisite.
Dean's face—which had been dark with barely contained fury—shifted the moment he saw it.
The resentment and rage drained from his eyes like a receding tide, replaced by rekindled anticipation. He straightened in his seat and glanced toward Mary.
Mary's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of confusion crossing her features. But within seconds, she gave Dean an almost imperceptible nod—part reassurance, part signal.
I reached out and let my fingers glide over the smooth velvet surface.
"This award has no monetary value attached. It's not tied to performance metrics." My voice was steady, even carrying a hint of warmth. "It simply represents the company's... appreciation for one employee's rather unique contributions."
Dean's spine went ramrod straight. The corner of his mouth twitched upward, impossible to suppress.