Jenifer's POV
After finishing my speech, I handed the microphone back to the host. Turning around, I noticed Reed and Romano had already disappeared.
The host wrapped things up with a few final comments and announced the competition's end. People started filing out.
As I stepped outside the venue, Natalia approached with flowers in her hands. Serena tagged along beside her. "Congratulations, Jenifer. I had complete faith you'd pull this off." Natalia pressed the bouquet into my hands and pulled me into a warm embrace.
Serena's eyes sparkled with genuine wonder as she rushed forward and clung to my leg. "Aunt, you're amazing. I want to be just as awesome as you when I'm older."
My heart practically melted hearing those words. I crouched down to her height and gave her cheek a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, Serena. That's the most beautiful thing anyone's said to me today."
