Chapter 2: The Price of Kindness
Chapter 2: The Price of Kindness
Three days later, Grace's world collapsed.
The hospital informed her that her mother's surgery had been canceled.
Insurance refused payment.
Without nearly two hundred thousand dollars, there would be no operation.
Grace left the hospital fighting back tears.
Outside, a black luxury sedan waited by the curb.
She ignored it.
The rear door opened anyway.
Margaret DeLuca sat inside.
"I hoped you would let me return the kindness you showed me."
Grace shook her head.
"I don't want favors."
Margaret smiled.
"Then don't consider it one."
She handed Grace a folder.
Inside were medical approvals.
Every hospital bill had been paid.
Anonymous donor.
Grace's eyes widened.
"I can't accept this."
"You already have."
Margaret gently folded Grace's trembling fingers over the documents.
"My son believes strength is measured by power."
"I've learned something different."
"It's measured by compassion."
Grace looked toward the front seat.
Dominic sat silently behind the tinted divider.
He hadn't said a single word.
When Margaret stepped out at the hospital entrance, Dominic finally spoke.
"You'll spend the rest of your life wondering why I helped."
Grace nodded.
"Probably."
"Good."
"Because it wasn't for gratitude."
"It was because Chicago needs more people who act before they calculate."
Grace smiled for the first time.
"And maybe men like you need reminding that kindness still exists."
Dominic actually laughed.
A quiet laugh.
The driver nearly glanced into the mirror in disbelief.
May you like
No one could remember the last time Dominic DeLuca had laughed.
Neither could he.
