Richard paused, looking at her intently. “No, not everyone would have jumped in like you did. You were brave.” He took a deep breath, his tone changing, as if he were about to reveal a secret. “I’m not a man who easily changes his ways, but you have shown me something I’ve forgotten—a glimpse of humanity, of kindness without expectation.”

Amara listened, unsure of where this was leading. Then Richard leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, the gravity of his words making her hands tremble.

“I want to help you, Amara,” he said. “Whatever you need—education, a home, a future—I want to make sure you have it.”