Desperation flickered in his eyes, tempered by a fragile pride he was trying hard to protect.
"Did you bring a resume?"
He blinked, then scrambled through his backpack, pulling out a crumpled document folder.
I took it and flipped through the pages.
Solid work experience. A few technical patents to his name.
"Come to the company for an interview on the eighth day after New Year."
I pulled out a business card and handed it to him.
"Ask for Boris Lambert in HR. Tell him I sent you."
Miles Hawthorne's hand trembled as he took the card.
Then he bowed—deep, formal, the kind that came from somewhere beyond mere gratitude.
"Thank you!"
He held that bow for a long time.
As I was leaving, Marianne caught my arm and pulled me aside for a photo.
"We have to get a picture. Let people see there are still kindhearted souls like you in this world!"
We gathered in the center of the hall—over thirty of us—and posed together.
I didn't think much of that photo.
I had no idea that by nightfall, it would explode.
The Harbor Shelter's social media account posted an update:
"#WarmthOnNewYear'sEve: A heartfelt thank you to philanthropist Ms. Stella Maxwell, who brought her own New Year's Eve feast to share with our residents. 108 dishes. 108 hearts, warmed."
The photo was attached.
The comments section went wild.
"Holy crap! Are those takeout boxes on the tables behind them... a full imperial banquet?!"
"The shelter admin confirmed it—yes, a full imperial banquet. 108 courses!"
"Who IS this businesswoman? Beautiful AND kind!"
"Found her! Stella Maxwell, CEO of Skyward Tech. They make AI-powered medical devices. Won a national innovation award last year!"
"Queen behavior! Gorgeous, successful, AND generous!"
My phone was under siege—notifications flooding in nonstop.
Congratulations from business partners. Curious messages from friends. Interview requests from media outlets.
Then my phone rang. Howard.
"Stella, why did you cancel my supplementary card?"
His voice was tight with irritation.
"After you left, Mom ordered another full imperial banquet. She's waiting for the check right now."
