“Ethan,” the boy replied, clutching his teddy bear a little tighter.

“Ethan,” Alexander repeated, committing the name to memory. “How did you end up here, and how did you know to warn me?”

Ethan hesitated, glancing down at his worn shoes. “I… I saw her. The lady with the sunglasses. I was sitting on the street outside when she came in. I thought she was acting strange, so I followed her inside. When she switched your food, I knew I had to do something.”

A mix of admiration and concern filled Alexander’s heart. Here was a child who had risked everything to save him. “Where are your parents, Ethan?”

Ethan’s eyes grew distant, a shadow passing over his face. “I don’t have any. Not anymore. I’ve been on my own for a while now.”

Alexander nodded, understanding more than he let on. He had always had a soft spot for children in need, given his own challenging upbringing. “You have a good heart, Ethan. Not many would have done what you did.”

He made a decision then, one that felt as natural as breathing. “Ethan, how would you like to come work for me? I can ensure you have a place to stay, meals, education—all of it.”

Ethan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You mean it? I could really stay?”

Alexander smiled warmly. “Of course. It’s the least I can do after what you’ve done for me today.”

Just then, a woman, part of Alexander’s security detail, approached with an update. “Sir, we’ve reviewed the security footage. The woman matches the description given by Ethan. We’re working with authorities to track her down.”

“Thank you,” Alexander replied, feeling a sense of resolve. Whoever had tried to poison him would be brought to justice. But for now, his focus was on the boy who had become an unexpected hero.

“Ethan, let’s get you cleaned up, and I’ll introduce you to my team. I think you’ll like them.”

Ethan grinned, a genuine smile that for the first time in a long while, reached his eyes. As they left the café together, Alexander felt a renewed sense of purpose. Life had thrown a challenge his way, and in overcoming it, he had found something far more rewarding—a chance to change a life for the better.