It seemed more and more often that every socialite in her mother's circle wanted to seem more charitable this year. Galas, benefits, charity donations, and just about every other form of publicly visible form of philanthropy had been played out over the last few months for Adira and her mother, her father luckily being able to escape the brunt of it by excusing himself on business. It was more than obvious in most cases that the participants didn't really care to give away even a tiny fraction of their wealth, but they did seem to care about the fancy dinner party occasions and being fawned on for being so charitable. Organizers and creators of the charities chosen also didn't really care for the whole thing, but gladly accepted any money thrown their way.

It hadn't been long before Mina had pressured her husband to fall into kind, itching to plan some events of her own. And thus, the PSC International Scholarship was born. The scholarship was open to any associate or immediate family member employed at any of the branches to a full ride scholarship at DCU, the closest University to their flagship office.

Her mother had already hosted several information luncheons and teas, and hired an outside firm to do all of the promotional design work. Scholarship admissions came and went, interviews were conducted (some via Skype if the candidate was unable to come in person), and applications were closed and possessed. Since her father had spearheaded the endeavor to please his wife, the final decision was left to him.

On one of the odd rare occasions where he was able to attend family dinner happened to coincide with the decision process. In an already irritable mood from several company related issues, the scholarship was just another, less important thing on his plate. Before dinner even began, Jason tossed the 10 finalist envelopes onto Adira's lap with a look that said 'deal with it' before leaving.
What could she say? Her father was not a man of many words when family was concerned.

The applicants were all very impressive. Names flew by as she perused each of the folders. Kim Yue, a straight-A, vocalist, and pianist from the China offices. Nate Anthony, from New York who aspired to hone his pottery skills in the arts college at DCU, who already had a list of several high profile clients from his own small business. The names went on from there. About halfway through the pile she ran into one that seemed familiar to her. Zachary Griffin Bantock. Violinist, chess player, and interested in creating his own blend of majors. Amazing grades despite a somewhat questionable social background.

Where had she heard his name before?

Zachary? Zac?

It dawned on her after seeing the attached picture that he was the same boy that she'd met at a party some time ago. She'd given him her card, but never heard from the rather interesting boy since then. It hadn't been in hopes of a date, but perhaps more of a discussion.

The next day a black folder containing his image and information was sent back to her father in a next day envelope with a small note that simply said 'This one.'

Her mother was happy that he was a local with a more charitable edge, given his social and economic standing. She'd get double the praise for that one. Her father was happy to not have to choose, and Adira was simply happy that she could maybe make a difference in the life of someone she knew as a civilian too.