A poor mechanic fixed a stranger girl’s car for free, unaware she’s a millionaire CEO. A few hours later, he gets the shock of his life…

He scanned my small living room. His gaze lingering briefly on the peeling wallpaper and second-hand furniture. Make yourself comfortable, I said, a hint of sarcasm in my voice.

He didn’t sit though, instead, he handed me the envelope. Miss Carter instructed me to deliver this to you personally. She believes in rewarding those who go above and beyond.

I opened it cautiously, my hands rough against the smooth paper. Inside was a check. My eyes widened as I took in the amount.

$50,000. You’ve got to be kidding me, I muttered. This has to be a mistake.

No mistake, he assured me. Miss Carter has her reasons. What reasons? I asked, suspicion creeping into my voice.

I fixed her car, not her entire life. He smiled faintly. She’s a very private person, but let’s just say she values acts of kindness, especially from those who expect nothing in return.

I stared at the check for what felt like an eternity, my mind racing. $50,000 was more money than I’d ever seen in my life, let alone held in my hands. It could pay off my debts, fix up the shop, maybe even let me dream a little bigger.

But there was a catch. There had to be. What’s the condition? I asked, my voice wary.

No condition, the lawyer replied smoothly. It’s a gift. Pure and simple.

I didn’t believe him, not entirely. People like her didn’t throw around money for no reason. Still, I nodded, slipping the check back into the envelope.

If she’s looking for more car repairs, she knows where to find me, I said, trying to keep things light. The lawyer gave a polite nod and turned to leave. Enjoy your evening, Mr. Daniels, and take care.

The next day, I was still trying to wrap my head around what had happened when I got another surprise. A black SUV pulled up outside my shop and outstepped Evelyn Carter herself. She wasn’t wearing the frazzled look from the day before.

Now, she was every inch the polished CEO, her confidence radiating like heat from the sun. Miss Carter, I said, wiping my hands on a rag. Didn’t expect to see you again so soon.

Call me Evelyn, she said with a faint smile. I wanted to thank you in person. Didn’t your lawyer already take care of that? I replied, trying not to let my nerves show.

She laughed softly. I suppose he did, but I believe gratitude is best expressed face to face. There was something in her tone, sincerity, maybe, that threw me off guard…