a's

but here I was, about to do it. My heart raced as our eyes met. For a moment, everything else see

ked, his voice smooth, but there

d suddenly feeling heavier. "Can I see you, sir?"

walking me toward an inevitable, life-changing moment. As we entered his office, I stood there for a mom

egained my composure. "I came to ask for a loan. I need the money for my mom's medical bills. She's been in the

desk drawer. My words caught in my throat when I saw him pull out a thick wad of c

voice calm, "and don't wo

his words sinking in. Was this... real? He couldn't be serious. My ha

erwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Mr. Preston!" I sobbed, my v

I could feel my tears streaming down my face, but I didn't care. I ha

id, his voice gentle yet firm. "Now,

I quickly wiped my face and stood up, unable to believ

the right place," I said, my

clutched tightly in my hand. As I stepped out of his office, I felt like I was wal

o go to th

purse, careful not to let anyone see. My heart pounded in my chest as I counted the cash. One hundred... two hundred... three

the last bill,

his was more than enough. More than I could ever ask for. I quickly stuffed the m

surprised when I handed him the money, but he didn't say anything-just gave a nod of approval. I felt a

d straight fo

ring. The room smelled sterile, but the sight of my mom, lying in

ly, speaking softly. "Mom, I've got the money. We're going to pay for your trea

e I was doing something right. I stayed by her side for a while, talking to her abou

kissed her forehead gently a

king on air. Everything was falling into place, but I k

would keep wor

on's

een Harper and me. He kept his eyes on the road, but I could feel his gaze flicking to me from

stillness. "I know

ou know..." His voice trailed off, and he didn't need to finish the sentence. I could feel his gaze on

e seat, trying to find some way t

but I could hear the edge to it. "You gave it

d assumed the worst. "You know my type?" I s

t the way you just gave it out...?" He trailed off, leaving th

him. Hell, I didn't even ful

ce low, as I stared out the window,

th sarcasm, but there was something behind it. Something in the way he understood th

asn't sure wh

sperate edge in her eyes as she asked for help. I couldn't ignore how it felt to give

d feel the weight of his questions hanging over me. Why had I done it? Was it beca

n confusion. Harper continued to drive, his silence a strange comfort. Bu

d still feel Harper's eyes on me, but I didn't acknowledge it. Instead, I stood there fo

hat the hell was it about her? She wasn't the type of woman I usually took

f the elevator doors opening snapped me out of my thoughts. Harper was s

not going to let this go. You gave her that money, and

from me, Harper. Maybe I did it because I could. Maybe I did it because I saw someone who

nd I could feel him weighing my wor

beat. "But I've known you long enough to know that when yo

er was right. There was more to it. But I couldn't let my

r now, "just don't get yourself caught up in something yo

his concern, though I

er pressure. I didn't know her well, but something about her stuck with me. I thought I had it all figured o

Maybe I didn't need to

me I would have to

ing was yet, but I knew it had