Naomi Brooks, a 28-year-old maid in a crisp blue uniform and white apron, stood frozen in place. She’d worked at the venue for years, always unseen by guests—but she had seen everything just now.
And she recognized him.
Ethan Cole.
The tech investor who funded adaptive technology programs.
The man who paid for the wheelchair-accessible playground in her neighborhood.
Her four-year-old daughter had played there just days ago.
“Mommy?” a small voice whispered.
Naomi turned to see her daughter, Lily, peeking out from the staff room. The little girl wore a bright red dress, her curls tied into tiny puffs, red shoes gleaming.
“Who’s that sad man?” Lily asked softly.
Naomi followed her gaze. Ethan sat alone near a column, shoulders slightly slumped.
“He’s someone who deserves kindness,” Naomi said quietly.
Lily studied him for a moment. “He looks nice. His suit is the color of the sky.”
Then, before Naomi could stop her, Lily slipped free and toddled onto the ballroom floor.
“Lily—wait!”
Too late.
Tiny shoes tapped across marble as Lily ran straight toward the man everyone else had ignored.
“Blue suit man!” she shouted joyfully.
The room went still.
