Thomas Thompson returned early that night.
When he entered the house, his butler whispered something about “the young master’s guest.” Curious — and slightly alarmed — Thomas made his way upstairs.
He stopped at the door.
Through the crack, he saw them — his son and a girl, laughing softly over a chessboard.
Her clothes were simple, her manners polite. There was something genuine in her eyes — something he hadn’t seen in years.
But Thomas’s jaw tightened.
When Maya left later that evening, he called for Leo.
“Who was that girl?”
“My friend,” Leo said.
“From school?”
“Yes.”
Thomas frowned. “Do you know who her family is?”
“She’s Maya Williams. She’s on a scholarship.”
His tone sharpened. “A scholarship?”
Leo nodded.
“Son,” Thomas said carefully, “you have to be cautious. Not everyone who smiles at you means well.”
Leo’s face hardened. “She’s not like that.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do,” Leo snapped. “Because she’s the only one who sees me as more than my leg—or your money.”
Thomas froze. The boy’s voice was filled with something he’d never heard before: quiet anger.
Leo turned away. “Mum would’ve liked her.”
That silenced him.
When the door closed, Thomas stared at the empty hallway. He hadn’t heard his wife’s name spoken in years. And suddenly, he missed her more than ever.
5. The Competition
Weeks passed. The annual St. James Science Exhibition was approaching — the most prestigious event of the school year.
Each student had to create a project. Leo dreaded it; he hated crowds. But Maya wouldn’t let him give up.
“We’ll do it together,” she said. “Team entry.”
“Together?” he asked. “You really want to?”
“Of course.” She grinned. “I’ve got the brains, you’ve got the budget.”
He laughed. “Deal.”
They spent afternoons tinkering in the school’s workshop. Maya had a brilliant idea — a prosthetic model designed to help kids like Leo move more naturally, using recycled materials.
Leo worked tirelessly, testing adjustments, refining circuits. For once, he wasn’t hiding his leg — he was building something because of it.
The day of the exhibition arrived. Judges roamed between displays. Harrison’s group had built a flashy drone; others showcased elaborate models.
When it was Leo and Maya’s turn, the crowd quieted. The two stood beside their simple, functional prosthetic model.
Leo’s voice shook at first but grew steady. “This isn’t about technology. It’s about dignity — helping kids who can’t afford what I have.”
Maya added, “We built it using parts anyone could find. Because innovation should help people, not just impress them.”
When the judges announced the results, the auditorium erupted — their project had won first prize.
The applause was thunderous. For once, the laughter wasn’t cruel.
Harrison scowled from the back row, but even he couldn’t argue.
6. The Interview
The story spread quickly — “Billionaire’s Son and Scholarship Student Build Low-Cost Prosthetic for Kids.”
Reporters swarmed the school. Cameras flashed.
When a journalist asked Maya, “What made you help him?” she simply said, “He didn’t need help. He needed a friend.”
That line went viral.
Thomas watched the interview from his office, stunned. For years, he’d spent fortunes on charity campaigns that barely touched hearts. But one girl with courage had changed public perception of his entire family.
That evening, when Maya came by with Leo to thank him for sponsoring their materials, Thomas greeted her personally.
“I owe you an apology,” he said.
She blinked. “For what, sir?”
“For misjudging you.” He smiled faintly. “You’ve done more for my son than I ever have.”
Maya blushed. “He’s done plenty for me too.”
Thomas looked at his son — standing taller, eyes brighter. “I can see that.”
7. The Gift
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