“He only wanted something to eat.”
“That is not our responsibility.”
Matthew’s face fell.
“It became our responsibility when we saw him.”
The words struck Isabella more deeply than she wanted to admit.
Nearby guests had stopped talking. Some watched with curiosity; others looked uncomfortable.
Isabella lowered her voice.
“Matthew, stand up. Security will handle this.”
Luke’s shoulders tightened.
“Please don’t call the police. I’ll leave.”
“He hasn’t done anything wrong,” Matthew protested.
“He does not belong here.”
The moment the sentence left Isabella’s mouth, she wished she could pull it back.
Luke lowered his head.
Matthew stared at her as though he no longer recognized her.
“He’s a person, Mom. He belongs wherever people are willing to help him.”
Isabella felt every eye in the room turn toward her.
“You are making a scene.”
“No,” Matthew answered quietly. “I’m sharing my dinner.”
He looked at Luke and then back at his mother.
