“You have determination. You worked while studying. You support your mother. And today you showed integrity no training can teach.”
He set the folder aside. “If you could return to that moment and choose again, would you still help her, even knowing you might lose your interview?”
Mateo hesitated only a moment. “Yes. I would.”
Cyrus nodded. “Then you are the kind of person I want in my company. The position is yours.”
Mateo stared at him, stunned. “Truly?”
“Yes. And my mother wants to thank you herself.”
In the next room, the elderly woman sat wrapped in a dry blanket. When she saw him, she smiled warmly. “There you are. My hero from the bus stop.”
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Better, now that I can thank you properly.”
She squeezed his hand. “This world rushes too fast. People forget to look at one another. But you did not. Never lose that.”
Cyrus watched from the doorway, his expression thoughtful.