“You are very kind,” she whispered. Her voice cracked slightly.
Mateo glanced toward the towering glass building several blocks away. His future waited there, but this woman needed him now. He turned away from the direction of the interview and guided her toward a taxi stand he hoped would be nearby.
Just as they rounded the corner, a sleek charcoal sedan slid to a halt beside them. A suited man flung the door open, sprinting toward them with panic in his eyes.
“Mother?” His voice wavered as he rushed to her side.
The older woman tightened her hold on Mateo as if startled, then relaxed. “I am alright, Oliver. I just felt faint.”
Mateo felt the man’s gaze turn to him. “Did you help her?”
“Yes,” Mateo replied quietly. “She was alone and unwell.”
The man nodded, his expression softening. “I appreciate that. I am Cyrus Warren. May I give you a ride somewhere? You are soaked.”
Mateo shook his head. “I have an interview. I am already late.”
“Which company?”
He mentioned it without thinking, and he noticed a subtle change in Cyrus’s posture, a flicker of recognition behind his eyes.
“Let us drive you. Please.” Cyrus gestured to the sedan.
