The Kind Stranger Who Helped Me Up Had a Surprising Connection to My Cruel Ex
Previously: When Mia slipped on a wet sidewalk, her ex-boyfriend laughed and pointed. But the kind stranger who helped her up held the key to her ex's entire future.
The Cost of Cruelty
Cole scoffed, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes. He didn't like being challenged, especially not in front of his friends.
"Mind your own business, man,"Cole sneered, stepping forward.
"It was just a slip. Besides, she's nobody. You don't need to play the hero."
The man in the navy windbreaker didn't flinch. Instead, a cold, knowing smile spread across his face. He slowly unzipped his windbreaker, revealing a tailored suit underneath, complete with a silver name badge that read 'Alex Vance, CEO'.
Cole's smirk vanished instantly. His face drained of all color, turning a sickly shade of pale. The two friends behind him stopped snickering, suddenly looking very interested in their shoes. Cole stammered, his voice losing all its bravado.
"Mr. Vance? I... I didn't recognize you. We have a meeting in twenty minutes at your headquarters."
Alex looked at Cole with deep disgust.
"We did have a meeting, Cole,"Alex said, his voice deadly quiet.
"Your startup was on the shortlist for our major investment portfolio. But my company doesn't partner with bullies. If this is how you treat a stranger on the street, I can only imagine how you treat your employees and clients."
Cole took a desperate step forward, his hands raised in supplication.
"Please, Mr. Vance, it was just a joke! We didn't mean anything by it. This investment is everything to me. I've worked for two years on this project!"
Alex shook his head, completely unmoved by Cole's sudden desperation.
"Character is what you do when you think nobody is watching, Cole. Today, I was watching. The deal is off. Have a nice afternoon."
”The deal is off. Have a nice afternoon."