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 jabbed a finger toward the office, where Evelyn was meeting with a supplier. Watch your mouth, I said, my voice low. Or what? He sneered, stepping closer.

Before I could respond, Evelyn appeared at the door. Is there a problem? She asked, her voice calm but commanding. Derek’s bravado faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered.

Yeah, there’s a problem. People around here don’t like what you’re doing. People, she repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Or just you.

The tension was thick, and I stepped in before things could escalate further. We’re done here, I said firmly.

If you’ve got something to say, Derek, you can say it to me. Leave her out of it. Derek glared at me, but eventually backed off, muttering curses under his breath as he and his friends walked away.

After they left, Evelyn turned to me. That’s not going to be the last time someone tries to intimidate you. I can handle it, I said, though I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince her or myself.

I know you can, she replied, but you don’t have to do it alone. Her words stayed with me. She wasn’t just talking about the shop.

She was talking about everything. As the months passed, the shop became a cornerstone of the community.

We hosted free repair clinics, helped struggling families with their cars, and gave local kids a chance to learn skills that could change their lives.

Evelyn’s vision was coming to life, and I was proud to be a part of it. But the more successful we became, the more the whispers and resentment grew.

I started to wonder if the cost of this dream was too high.

The tension came to a boiling point one night, when I was locking up the shop. The streets were unusually quiet, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. As I turned ahead to my truck, I saw them.

Three men stepping out of the shadows, led by Derek. Working later, Derek sneered, his voice carrying a sinister edge. What do you want? I asked, keeping my voice steady, to remind you where you came from.

He said, closing the distance between us. You think you’re some big shot now? With our money backing you up? Walk away, Derek, I warned. He laughed, a harsh, grating sound.

Or what? You gonna call your fancy CEO, to come save you? I clenched my fists, my pulse hammering in my ears. I don’t need anyone to save me. But I won’t fight you either.

Not here. Not now. That’s what I thought, he said, his tone mocking…