Chapitre 172: The Child

"I can't believe I was forced to attend an event like this one… The irony is laughing in my face right now," Samantha muttered under her breath, frowning as she looked around the bustling event venue of the Sunrise Hotel.

The annual charity event for single parents was well underway, and the large reception room was filled with parents and their children.

Brightly colored balloons and streamers decorated the room, and cheerful music played in the background. The event had been established years ago by Amelie Ashford to support single parents struggling to make ends meet.

Here, parents could apply for financial assistance from a social fund if they were unable to find work for whatever reason. It was a full-day event where families could also socialize, find friends, and receive professional help if needed—all for free.

Samantha was sitting on her designated seat at the edge of the room, forced into the role of host alongside her husband, Richard.