Return of the Crowned Heiress (Felicia)

The young man was Vincent McLaren. His heart had sunk to its lowest depths as he watched the investors-the ones who could turn his dream into reality-file out one by one.

Even the organizer's assistant, Sidney Johnson, couldn't resist a jab. "Ah, you're not the first starry-eyed entrepreneur I've seen. Better luck next time. Maybe you'll get invited to the next conference—if you're lucky." The light in Vincent's eyes dimmed further, replaced by an unbearable weight of despair.

"There won't be a next time," he thought.

His small company of six had scraped together every cent to get to this moment, betting everything on a single shot. And he had let them all down by fumbling at the critical moment.

Closing his eyes, he felt a grim resolve take root. Maybe it was better to end it now-jump off a rooftop, leave behind the judgmental gazes of his colleagues and the crushing disappointment of his family. But just as that dark thought solidified, a clear and melodious voice rang out behind him.

"I can listen."

He spun around, stunned.

Standing there was a young woman, her face exquisitely serene, her expression warm and free of mockery or condescension.

Her gaze carried the same gentle reassurance he had felt earlier in the garden, like a breeze through the woods-calm yet uplifting.

For a moment, he froze, unsure how to respond. However, the woman-Felicia-had already stepped into the empty venue, taking a seat in the center of the room. She gestured for him to begin. Vincent hesitated but eventually followed her into the hall.

Unlike the suited investors who had exuded polished confidence, Felicia sat casually, her jacket draped over the back of her chair, her white sweater paired with simple blue jeans, and an unassuming backpack entirely devoid of luxury branding. Sidney snorted, shaking his head as he muttered, "What's the point of pitching to a kid? She doesn't look like she can call the shots, let alone invest. Don't waste your time."

But Vincent ignored him.

He stepped onto the stage and plugged in his USB drive. He began

his presentation with nees

determination, projecting his slides

onto the screen.

His project was a large-scale mobile game. The graphics were stunning, and the gameplay mechanics were innovative.

Gone was the timid, stumbling man.

from the garden. Onstage, he

radiated passion, his voice brimming with energy and conviction. Every word, every gesture spoke of his deep love for his creation-a love so fierce it seemed to burn through him. C0pyright © 2024 Nôv)(elDrama.Org.

Felicia listened intently, her eyes never leaving the screen or his face.

When he finished, the hall fell silent for a moment before Felicia broke into applause.

Vincent exhaled shakily, the adrenaline draining from his body. For the first time all day, he felt a glimmer of peace.

"Thank you," he said, smiling shyly. Gathering his things, he prepared to leave, content to have at least shared his vision with someone who cared. However, before he could step down, Felicia's voice stopped him.

"Aren't we going to discuss

funding?" she asked, her tone light yet serious. "Your proposal says.you need one million. I'll double it two million. How does that sound?"

He froze mid-step, his head whipping around to stare at her in disbelief.

Behind them, Sidney burst out laughing. "Did you mean two million in-game currency?"

Vincent wasn't ready to dismiss her, though. His voice trembling with both excitement and doubt, he asked, "May I ask... who are you?"

Felicia's lips curved into a playful smile. "I'm Felicia. You might've heard of my father-he's the richest man in Khogend." Vincent's jaw dropped.

Sidney, on the other hand, was dumbfounded, his laughter abruptly silenced.

Felicia leaned back in her chair, her casual posture unchanged. Sometimes, it did help to have a big name behind a person.