Everything is not always as it appears on the surface," Rubby continued into the microphone, her voice carrying a soft but commanding resonance across the silent hall. "Without our boss, we wouldn't be standing here today. Perhaps Tasha and I would still be tucked away safely in our family homes—eating, drinking, being provided for, and ordering our maids and guards around. But we chose a different path."
She paused, looking out over the sea of high-society guests.
"When I first left home, I didn't know who I was going to meet. I was simply directed by our boss to come to the Imperial Capital. I knew absolutely nobody here; I was a complete stranger. But I remained positive, especially since our boss wasn't residing in the capital either. When I landed, my Co-CEO picked me up at the airport, looked me in the eyes, and said: 'Let's welcome our tomorrow, together.'"
Rubby smiled warmly at Tasha.
