100 A Partner.

And why am I not surprised? Christian thought. He was standing on stage as a winner, but he felt like a loser. He never liked to lose. His losses were always too costly. But at the moment he liked the feeling.

"Dear fellow shareholders, Mr. Pitcher," he nodded to Justin's grandfather, "Thank you all for your trust. The Pharaoh magazine team and its readers, thank you for your loyalty to your cause and all-round support to each other." Denver smiled at the nearest camera. "You know how to surprise."

Approvals echoed through the hall. Many of the guests were sitting with a contented look on their faces, others were whispering to each other, pointing their fingers first at the screen, then at Emily.

"Miss Hayes," the man turned to the girl, "You have a very peculiar way of persuading, but much to my surprise, it works."