When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 341

Chapter Three Hundred And Forty–One: The Award

Daisy turned and forced a smile. “Maybe I enjoy being mysterious.”

Lucien’s gaze moved over her face carefully “No. You look overwhelmed.”

She sighed. “That obvious?”

“Of course, yes.”

That answer made her look at him for a second longer.

Lucien was too observant. Too calm. Too patient. Sometimes it makes him look comforting. Other times it made him dangerous, because he noticed things Daisy wished no one noticed.

Before she could respond, lights inside the ballroom dimmed slightly, and the orchestra softened. A voice came through the speakers, smooth and professional, welcoming everyone officially to the Nexora Global Tech and E–Sports Innovation Gala.

The program had begun.

Guests gradually moved toward their assigned tables. The gala host stepped onto the stage, greeted the attendees, and began speaking about the purpose of the evening. It was not merely a social gathering. Nexora had built the gala to honor leaders shaping the future of technology, gaming, medicine, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation across Nether–Kingdom and

beyond.

That gave the evening weight. It was no longer just champagne and gossip. It was recognition.

The first major award of the evening celebrated technological innovation and industry leadership.

As the host introduced the nominees, several screens around the ballroom came alive with visuals of projects that had transformed different sectors of the technology world over the past year.

Then Jeff Sandler’s face appeared on the screen.

Applause immediately followed.

Cassienne sat beside Dreston at one of the front tables and smiled.

Nerox Technology was Jeff’s company.

He had built it from the ground up and transformed it into one of the most respected technology firms in the country. Over the years, Nerox had launched successful products, expanded into new markets, and established itself as an industry leader.

Tonight, however, the spotlight was focused on the company’s latest breakthrough.

A series of visuals appeared on the massive screens.

The audience watched demonstrations of the immersive interface project.

Advanced emotional response systeins.

Adaptive user experiences.

Several innovations that industry analysts were already describing as revolutionary

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Cassienne felt her heart beat a little faster. Not because she wanted attention. But because she knew exactly how much work had gone into every line of code, every failed prototype, every sleepless night, and every difficult decision that had brought the project to life.

Beside her, Dreston noticed the slight change in her posture.

He leaned closer. “You’re pretending not to be nervous.”

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Cassienne kept her eves on the stage. “I am not nervous.”

“You are.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re blinking too much.”

That finally made her look at him. “Must you notice everything?”

A small smile appeared on Dreston’s face. “Only when it comes to you.”

Cassienne immediately looked away before he could see how much she liked hearing that.

On stage, Jeff Sandler was invited forward to receive the Nexora Innovation Leadership Award.

The applause became louder.

Jeff accepted the award with his usual calm confidence before stepping toward the microphone.

Silence gradually returned into the room.

“Thank you,” he began.

His voice carried easily through the ballroom. “When I started Nerox Technology, I had a simple goal. Build something meaningful. Build something that would continue creating opportunities long after I was gone.”

The audience listened attentively.

Jeff glanced briefly toward Cassienne before continuing. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a business leader is that great companies are never built by one person. They’re built by talented people who are given the opportunity to do extraordinary things.”

Several heads nodded in agreement.

Jeff continued. “Our newest project has received a great deal of attention recently, and rightfully so. The technology itself is impressive. But what impresses me most isn’t the product.” His gaze settled briefly on Cassienne again. “It’s the person behind it.”

Cassienne immediately wished the floor would open beneath her.

Jeff ignored her discomfort.

“The first time Cassienne Rhodes presented this concept to me, I saw potential. What I didn’t see was just how far she would take it.”

A ripple of laughter moved through the room.

Jeff smiled. “Over the last year, I’ve watched her challenge assumptions, solve problems that experienced teams couldn’t solve, and push Nerox Technology further than I thought possible.”

Now the applause started before he even finished.

Cassienne lowered her eyes.

Dreston quietly reached beneath the table and took her hand. She squeezed back immediately.

Jeff waited for the applause to settle.

“Tonight, people see the final result. They see the awards. They see the headlines. What they don’t see are the countless hours of work, the setbacks, the sacrifices, and the determination that made it possible.”

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The Loom grew quiet again.

“So while I accept this award on behalf of Nerox Technology, I believe the person who deserves the loudest applause tonight is Cassienne Rhodes.”

The ballroom erupted.

Several people actually stood. Others joined them. Within seconds, a standing ovation spread across large sections of the room.

Cassienne looked genuinely stunned. Dreston looked proud

Very proud.

Jeff waited patiently for the applause to fade before continuing. “And while we’re recognizing people fonight, I’d also like to acknowledge someone else.”

His gaze shifted toward Dreston.

The audience followed.

“Many people talk about supporting talented partners. Very few actually know what that looks like.”

Several guests smiled knowingly.

Jeff continued. “Behind every major achievement is usually a support system that nobody sees. The encouragement, patience, and understanding.”

Dreston already knew where this was going.

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