After He Laughed When She Fell, Her Mysterious Savior Revealed a Life-Changing Secret
Previously: When Maya slipped on the wet pavement, a group of cruel strangers laughed. But the kind man who helped her up held a secret that would change all their lives forever.
The Awkward Reunion
Cody scoffed, rolling his eyes as he shoved his hands deeper into his grey hoodie. "Mind your own business, man," he muttered, turning his back on them as his friends snickered. Marcus didn't pursue them physically, but his jaw remained tightly clenched as he watched the group disappear around the corner. He turned back to Maya, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't let them get to you. Some people have to learn the hard way." He helped her pick up her scattered papers, handing them back with a polite nod before disappearing into the brick building.
Maya spent ten minutes in the lobby restroom, desperately cleaning her trench coat and trying to calm her racing heart. She couldn't afford to ruin this. The position at Vanguard Enterprises was highly competitive, and she was already running late. When she finally stepped into the executive waiting room on the top floor, she froze. Sitting in the plush leather chairs across from her was Cody. Without his mocking friends, he looked younger, though still wearing an air of unearned arrogance. He stared at Maya, his eyes widening slightly in recognition, before he let out a quiet, condescending chuckle. "Look who made it," he whispered. "Did you slip on your way up the elevator too?"
Before Maya could respond, the heavy mahogany door to the main office swung open. A secretary stepped out and announced, "The CEO will see both of you now for the group assessment." Maya's heart hammered against her ribs as she stood up. She walked into the grand office, Cody swaggering closely behind her, confident that his family connections or polished resume would guarantee him the job.
But as they stepped inside, Cody's smirk instantly evaporated. Behind the massive glass desk stood a man in a sharp, tailored navy suit. His posture was commanding, but his face was unmistakable. It was the man in the brown leather jacket from the street. Marcus looked up from his tablet, his eyes locking onto Cody with an icy intensity.
"Welcome,"Marcus said, his voice dripping with quiet authority.
”Marcus said, his voice dripping with quiet authority.