The air was light with excitement as Arnold walked through the doors of The Golden Willow, the finest restaurant in a nearby town, it was the only three-star restaurant in the vicinity. This town was comparatively better off than Amber Ridge. The celebration for Benjamin and Steven's new roles as leaders of Pillarstone Developers had drawn quite the crowd. While the event had originally been planned as a small dinner, Arnold had insisted on bringing the children from the orphanage and town residents to join them.
"They deserve to share in this," Arnold had said, and Benjamin couldn't agree more.
The children, dressed in their best clothes, stared in awe at the restaurant's grandeur. Ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished wood interiors. Aromas of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filled the air, making their mouths water.
"This place is amazing," whispered one of the younger boys, tugging on Steven's sleeve.
Steven grinned, ruffling the boy's hair. "Wait until you taste the food."
The group settled into a long table at the heart of the restaurant. Plates soon began arriving, each dish more exquisite than the last: creamy mushroom soup, herb-crusted lamb, grilled salmon, and delicate pastries that seemed almost too beautiful to eat.
The children's faces lit up with every bite, their laughter filling the room as they marveled at flavors they had never experienced before. One of the younger girls, Annie, shyly asked, "Is this what rich people eat every day?"
Benjamin chuckled, leaning down to her level. "Not every day, Annie. But tonight, you all deserve to feel special."
Arnold watched the scene with quiet satisfaction. Seeing the children happy reminded him of his own days at the orphanage, when simple gestures of kindness had meant the world.
As the dinner neared its end, Steven stood, raising his glass. "I just want to say a few words," he began, clearing his throat.
The room quieted, all eyes on him.
"When I look around this room, I see the people who've made everything we're celebrating tonight possible. Ben and I wouldn't be here without you all—without the support of our friends, our town, and especially Arnold. He didn't just believe in us; he gave us the tools to make a difference. And that's what we're going to do. For Amber Ridge, for the orphanage, and for everyone who calls this town home."
The room erupted in applause, with cheers from the children and proud smiles from the townsfolk. Benjamin followed, his voice steady but emotional as he added, "My father's dream was to see Amber Ridge flourish, and Steven and I are committed to making that happen. This isn't just a business for us—it's personal. Thank you for standing by us."
Arnold, who rarely sought the spotlight, simply raised his glass in silent acknowledgment, his heart warmed by their sincerity.
As the group began to leave the restaurant, full and happy, Arnold held the door open for the children, ensuring they were safely on their way back to the orphanage. Just as the last of the group stepped outside, a familiar voice called out.
"Arnold? Is that really you?"
Arnold turned to see a woman standing by the entrance, her smile wide with recognition. Her blonde hair was neatly tied back, and her tailored dress hinted at the professional life she now led.
"Catherine?" Arnold asked, a faint smile forming as memories of high school came flooding back.
Catherine Grey had been a familiar face in those days, known for her sharp wit and outgoing personality. While they hadn't been particularly close, they had shared several classes and mutual friends.
"It is you!" Catherine exclaimed, stepping closer. "And Benjamin and Steven! It's like a high school reunion all over again."
Steven laughed, clasping Catherine's hand. "You haven't changed a bit, Catherine."
"Well, you three certainly have," Catherine said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Word's already spreading about how you two—" she pointed to Benjamin and Steven, "—are now running Pillarstone Developers. That's incredible!"
She turned to Arnold, her smile widening. "And you—you went off to Ravenwood University, didn't you? I always knew you'd end up doing something amazing."
Arnold nodded modestly. "It's been a busy few years."
Catherine's brow furrowed in curiosity. "I heard some whispers about Crownspire Horizon… Are you really the new boss?"
Arnold hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I've been working with Crownspire Horizon for some time now."
Her jaw dropped slightly, and she let out a laugh of disbelief. "I knew you were smart, but Crownspire Horizon? That's on a completely different level! You have to tell me everything at the reunion next week."
Steven raised an eyebrow. "Reunion? What reunion?"
Catherine gasped. "Don't tell me you haven't heard! Our high school reunion is next week. Practically everyone from our year is coming. It's going to be at the Ridgeview Event Hall."
Benjamin looked skeptical. "I don't know, Catherine. Things have been a little… chaotic around here."
"Oh, nonsense!" Catherine insisted, waving a hand dismissively. "It's the perfect chance to catch up with old friends and celebrate how far you've all come. Everyone's going to want to hear about what you've been up to."
She glanced at Arnold, her eyes alight with excitement. "Especially you. I mean, Crownspire Horizon? You're practically a celebrity now!"
Arnold chuckled softly, though inwardly he wasn't sure if he wanted that kind of attention. "We'll think about it."
"Great!" Catherine said, clapping her hands. "I'll save you a table. And trust me, you'll regret it if you don't come."
With a final wave, she walked off into the night, leaving the three of them standing by the restaurant.
As they walked back toward the orphanage, Steven broke the silence. "A high school reunion, huh? I'm not sure I want to deal with some of those people again."
Benjamin shrugged. "It could be fun. And Catherine's right—we've come a long way. Maybe it's time to show that."
Arnold stayed quiet, his thoughts elsewhere. The idea of returning to a room full of former classmates, some of whom had once mocked him for being a poor scholarship student, wasn't exactly appealing. But something about Catherine's enthusiasm, and the prospect of seeing how much had changed, gave him pause.
"We'll see," Arnold said finally, his tone thoughtful. "It could be… interesting."
As they reached the orphanage, the children rushed ahead, still chattering about the dinner. Steven and Benjamin waved them off before turning to Arnold.
"Thanks for tonight," Steven said sincerely. "Not just for the dinner, but for everything. We wouldn't be here without you."
Arnold shook his head. "You two are the ones making this happen. I'm just giving you the tools."
Benjamin smiled. "Either way, we owe you a lot."
As they parted ways for the night, Arnold couldn't shake the sense that the reunion might be more than just a social event—it could be the start of something new.