The next day, Arthur called Clara into his office. She appeared nervous, and he could see the worry in her eyes. But before she could speak, he handed her the envelope back and then pushed a check across the desk toward her. It was made out to her, for an amount that would ensure Emily’s future without worry.

“This is for you and Emily,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m sorry for ever doubting you, Clara. Thank you for reminding me that not everyone has a price.”

Clara looked at the check, then back at Arthur, tears pooling in her eyes. “I can’t accept this,” she began, but he shook his head.

“You’ve earned it a hundred times over,” he insisted.

Clara’s tears spilled over, and for the first time, Arthur saw her smile—a genuine, radiant smile that lit up the room. It was a moment that softened the hard edges of his soul, a lesson that changed his perspective forever.

From that day on, Arthur treated her not as an employee, but as family, grateful for the chance meeting that had brought Clara, and the virtues she lived by, into his life.