The banquet officially began at half past six in the evening.
The leader of the World Port Trading Organization walked onto the stage, leaned into the microphone, and spoke in his slightly accented English, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen of various trading organizations. We are honored to be able to meet in Berlin, Germany, today to sum up our hard work over the past four years and look forward to our future interests..."
The banquet hall was quiet and everyone was listening attentively to the chief executive's speech.
Victoria was also listening seriously, though it was well known that the opening speech at such banquets was usually merely ceremonial jargon.
Nevertheless, Victoria still thought this was a significant moment in her life.
When she arrived in Germany, she was considered an extra on the list, and she never aspired to do anything for Hank Clegg.
But the fact that he eventually thought to invite her as his companion was nothing short of a huge surprise.
