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…

The first thing Evelyn did was bring in a team to renovate the shop.

Watching them tear down the old, rusted walls and replace them with sleek new panels felt like watching my life being rebuilt piece by piece. Evelyn was there every day, overseeing the project with the kind of determination that left no room for failure.

You’re not just fixing cars anymore, she told me one afternoon as we stood in the middle of the construction site. You’re building a legacy. Her words stuck with me.

For the first time in years, I felt like I was part of something bigger than myself. But not everyone was happy about the changes. Some of the local mechanics saw me as a sellout, and they didn’t hesitate to let me know it.

You think you’re better than us now?

One of them sneered as he walked into the shop one day. I think I’m trying to do something different. I replied evenly.

Yeah, with her money. He shot back, jerking his thumb toward Evelyn, who was talking to one of the contractors across the room. I clenched my fists, but before I could respond, Evelyn stepped in.

Is there a problem? She asked, her tone cold enough to freeze water. The guy mumbled something under his breath and left. You don’t have to fight my battles for me, I said once he was gone.

I know, she replied. But I’m not going to stand by and let anyone undermine what we’re building here. As the shop began to take shape, so did my life.

For the first time in years, I felt like I was moving forward instead of just treading water. But with progress, came new challenges. Evelyn’s presence in my life didn’t go unnoticed, and rumors started to spread.

People whispered about our relationship, speculating whether there was more to it than just business. At first I tried to ignore it, but when one of my oldest friends confronted me about it, I couldn’t hold back my frustration.

You think I’m doing this for personal gain? I snapped.

You think I’d put everything on the line for a paycheck? I don’t know what to think, he admitted. But people are talking, and it’s not just about the shop. I knew what he meant, but I wasn’t about to dignify the rumors with a response.

My focus was on the work, and I wasn’t going to let anything distract me from that. Evelyn, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by the gossip. Let them talk, she said when I brought it up one evening.

People are always going to find something to complain about. Her confidence was reassuring, but it didn’t make the whispers any easier to bear. Still, I threw myself into the project, determined to prove the naysayers wrong.

The grand reopening of the shop was set for three months later. As the date approached, I found myself working longer hours than ever, pushing myself to the limit to make sure everything was perfect. Evelyn was right there with me, her energy seemingly endless…