The hall went quiet. William stood at the front, a microphone in his hand.
"Thank you, everyone, for gathering here tonight," he began, his voice calm but filled with emotion he did not try to hide.
He could feel three pairs of eyes watching him from the front.
Jacob, his oldest grandson, stood very still. His face showed no emotion. He watched everything as if he were studying a problem.
Roman, the second grandson, looked angry. His expression was hard, and he did not seem happy to be there.
Ashton, the youngest, remained quiet. He watched with a curious look, as though he were trying to understand a secret.
William took a deep breath.
"Today, I have gathered everyone here for a very special reason," he continued, glancing across the audience where many familiar faces sat. Old friends, business partners, family members, and people who had known him for decades filled the hall.
He smiled slightly.
"After many, many years, I have found my lost granddaughter."
