Chapter 2 - The Rejected Fortune
Eleanor rushed forward, gathering her son into her arms. For the first time all day, Leo didn't fight back. He buried his face in her expensive blazer, clutching the brass nut in his fist.
As her security team moved in to escort them to the private garage, Eleanor stopped. She turned to look at me, her eyes filled with a desperate, overwhelming gratitude.
"Your name," she said, her voice shaking. "What is your name?"
"Thomas Weaver, ma'am."
"Thomas. Come up to the executive suite in one hour. My CFO will have the wire transfer ready. Eight hundred thousand dollars, just like I promised."
The executives in the lobby gasped. The Manhattan psychologist looked like he was going to be sick.
I looked at her, then at Leo.
"Keep your money, Ms. Vance," I said gently.
Eleanor blinked, entirely stunned. "Excuse me?"
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"I don't want your money," I repeated, picking up my toolbox. "I didn't do it for a payout. I did it because no child deserves to feel like they're drowning while a room full of adults stands around discussing the water temperature. Have a good afternoon."
I turned my back on the billionaire CEO and walked toward the freight elevator, leaving the entire corporate headquarters in stunned, absolute silence.
