Because she had spent more than that on a single dinner with investors in Dubai.
And this man had been quietly dying because he believed his life cost too much.
Laura stepped closer to the bed.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Carlos stared at his hands.
“Because you already did enough.”
“No,” Laura said softly.
“I paid hospital bills.”
She shook her head.
“But I still didn’t see you.”
Carlos finally looked up.
And for the first time since she met him…
his eyes filled with tears.
“I’m tired,” he whispered.
Not dramatic.
Not loud.
Just honest.
“I’m so tired.”
Laura felt her throat tighten painfully.
Years of luxury had surrounded her with polished people.
Perfect clothes.
Perfect smiles.
Perfect lies.
But this exhausted man in front of her was more real than almost anyone she had ever known.
That night, Laura canceled a charity gala worth millions.
