Eugene smiled and gestured for Mizuki to take a seat, her voice warm and welcoming. "I'm really glad you could make it today, Mizuki. It means so much to us that you're interested in helping."
She made sure Mizuki was comfortable before handing her a folder with documents about the organization. "These are the materials we discussed earlier, just to give you a clearer picture of what we do here at St. Anne's. I'll go over everything with you, of course."
Mizuki flipped through the pages as Eugene began to explain the different ways she could get involved. "There are several ways you can help. First, we greatly appreciate financial contributions. Donations go towards basics like shelter, food, healthcare, and legal assistance for the women and children we care for. Even a small, regular donation makes a big difference. It helps us keep our doors open."
Mizuki nodded attentively, processing the information. Eugene continued, "Then, there's the option to sponsor a program. We have a children's education fund that helps displaced children get back into school and receive the support they need to recover and thrive. You can sponsor a child's schooling for a year, which is something our donors find really fulfilling. It's not just about money—it's about giving them a chance to dream again."
She handed over a brochure with photos of children smiling at their desks, making the concept feel more personal. "You can directly fund a child's education or support a group of children, whichever feels most comfortable for you."
Eugene paused, giving Mizuki a moment to absorb the details. "Another way to help is through in-kind donations. We accept goods like food, clothing, toiletries, and household items. Sometimes, those simple items are exactly what someone needs to get back on their feet. If you're able to, that would be wonderful."
Mizuki nodded again, her focus unwavering. Eugene smiled at her, encouraged by her attentive listening. "Lastly, some of our supporters prefer volunteering. If you're interested, we can always use a helping hand—whether it's organizing events, assisting with administrative tasks, or even spending time with the women and children who need it most. It's not always about money—it's about making a connection."
Mizuki glanced down at the documents, her mind ticking over the options. Eugene's voice softened, sensing the weight of Mizuki's decision. "Whatever you choose to do, we're incredibly grateful for your support. Every bit makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve."
Eugene then turned to Cynthia Ng, the directress of St. Anne's, who had been quietly listening nearby. Eugene smiled and introduced her. "This is Cynthia Ng, the heart of our organization. She can tell you more about the day-to-day work we do and how we ensure every donation is put to good use."
Cynthia extended her hand with a warm, reassuring smile. "Thank you for considering us, Mizuki. Any support you give, big or small, goes a long way in changing lives."
"You're welcome," Mizuki said with a smile. "And no need to explain further," she added as she shook Cynthia's hand before turning back to Eugene. "I followed your advice to do a background check and already know what I need to know."
Eugene raised an eyebrow in approval. "I see. That's good. Do you have any idea what kind of support you'd like to give?"
Mizuki thought for a moment before answering honestly. "I'm just a private individual, so I can't do much. I also plan to work, so I won't have time to volunteer," she said. "But I will be opening an account to send monthly remittances to the organization."
"That's fine, Mizu. Whatever you can give is enough," Eugene and Cynthia assured her, but Mizuki grinned.
"What's up?" Eugene asked, curious. Mizuki noticed Eugene's knack for sensing when she was about to do something a little mischievous.
But there was nothing mischievous about what Mizuki was about to reveal.
"I might not be able to do much, but here," Mizuki said as she took an envelope and handed it to Eugene. She exchanged a confused glance with Cynthia as Mizuki added, "Director Ng, I think it's best if you both read it."
The two women leaned in as Eugene opened the envelope.
"Mizu…" Eugene's voice trailed off.
Both their eyes widened in shock as the bold letterhead of Wolfe Group Singapore Branch appeared on the page, practically leaping off the letter like a banner.
"Mizu… You…" Cynthia gasped, still processing the surprise.
Mizuki shook her head. "It's my brother, the new CEO's idea."
At the mention of 'brother,' Eugene's confusion deepened. Mizuki laughed softly at the surprise, but Eugene was still too stunned by the letter to ask about it.
Eugene and Cynthia exchanged another glance, their expressions filled with disbelief as they read the rest of the letter. Mizuki watched them closely, feeling a mix of pride and nervousness at their reactions.
The letter from Wolfe Group Singapore Branch was clear and straightforward. The company expressed its intention to provide continuous financial aid to St. Anne, ensuring a steady stream of support for the organization's ongoing operations. But that was just the beginning.
As they read further, Mizuki saw the shock deepen on their faces. The company was also offering to support St. Anne's programs for education and livelihood training for the wards—an effort to equip them with skills to rebuild their lives.
The most surprising part, though, was the company's willingness to train and hire individuals from St. Anne who were interested in working at the malls. Mizuki could see how this could be life-changing for some of the women and children, offering them meaningful employment opportunities and a chance to start fresh.
"Mizu… this is incredible," Eugene said, her voice filled with awe. "Your brother really... he really came up with this?"
Mizuki nodded. "It was his idea. He's the new CEO, and he's passionate about corporate responsibility. He wants Wolfe Group to be more than just a business—it's about making a real impact in the community."
Cynthia, still processing the magnitude of the offer, looked up at Mizuki with a smile that reached her eyes. "Please thank your brother for us. This is more than we ever expected."
Mizuki felt a surge of pride as she handed the letter over to them. She was glad to see that her brother's vision was resonating with others, especially when it came to a cause so close to her heart.
"We're committed to doing whatever we can to support you," Mizuki said. "The financial aid is just the start. I think this could really change lives. Giving the women here access to education, training, and even job opportunities—it's something they can carry with them for the rest of their lives."
Cynthia nodded, her eyes welling up with gratitude. "You're not just helping us, Mizuki. You're giving hope to these women and children. You're offering them a way out, a future. I can't tell you how much this means to us."
Eugene placed a hand on Mizuki's shoulder, her voice filled with emotion. "We're so lucky to have you supporting us, Mizuki. Wolfe Group's involvement will go beyond just financial contributions—it will change lives in ways we can't even fully imagine yet."
Mizuki smiled, feeling the weight of her decision but also the immense sense of fulfillment that came with it. Although she still hadn't reached her goal of finding the mother and daughter pair, at least she had found her way to make a difference. In a way, even if Mizuki knew that she had been deceived in the past and made so many mistakes, she could not deny the fact that she hurt people. With this, she could at least atone for the guilt in her heart for the events in her previous life.