"I know I can't do much for you," Miranda said in a serious tone, "but if you ever need anything at all… you can come to me. You have my word."
Alex looked at her for a moment before replying.
"Ma'am, please don't say that," he said calmly. "I already promised you I would look after him. You don't owe me anything. What I did… it was just something I felt I should do. So please, don't feel like you have to repay me."
Miranda stared at him for a few seconds. A small, genuine smile appeared on her face.
"You're a good kid, Alex," Miranda said softly. "That's why I'm insisting."
She leaned back in her chair and looked at him seriously.
