However, before we reached Atticus, I spotted Maddox talking to an older man. I squeezed Ryan's arm and said, "That man is Maddox O'Connell. Let me say hi to him first."

I went over to him with a smile, and he recognized me immediately. "Good evening, Ms. Chloe."

"It’s a pleasure to see you again, sir." I maintained a respectful demeanor. "I haven't had the chance to thank you for what you did that evening."

Calling him “sir” instead of Mr. Maddox was a deliberate move on my part.

"Don't men