The quiet air returned to the massive foyer of the Sterling estate.
Richard turned around and walked back toward his small family.
He knelt down in front of Leo and wrapped his large arms around him.
Leo held his father tightly and let out a long breath of relief.
Richard: I am so sorry I was not here to protect you today, Leo.
Leo: Elena protected me, Daddy.
Leo: She stood right in front of Victoria when she got angry.
Richard looked up at Elena with deep, genuine gratitude in his eyes.
Elena lowered her head respectfully while keeping her hands folded.
Richard: Elena, you risked your job to protect my only child.
Elena: I could never let anyone hurt little Leo, sir.
Richard: Most people would have stayed quiet to save their own job.
Elena: Doing the right thing is always more important than money, Mr. Sterling.
Richard stood up and took a deep, clear breath.
Richard: As of today, you are no longer a maid in this house.
Elena's eyes widened in sudden worry as she stepped back slightly.
Elena: Are you firing me, sir?
Richard: Absolutely not.
Richard: I want you to become Leo's full-time guardian and estate manager.
Elena: Estate manager, sir?
Richard: You will oversee the house staff and take care of Leo's daily needs.
Richard: Your monthly salary will be triple what you earn right now.
Elena gasped in absolute disbelief as tear drops filled her eyes.
Elena: Mr. Sterling, I don't know what to say!
Leo: Say yes, Elena! Please stay with us!
Elena: Yes! Of course I will stay!
Leo picked up his dropped wooden toy train from the floor.
He handed it to Elena with a big, bright smile on his face.
Leo: My mom would have loved you so much, Elena.
Elena: Thank you, sweet boy.
Richard placed his hand gently on his son's small shoulder.
The dark storm that hung over their lives had finally cleared away.
Justice had prevailed, and true warmth had returned to their home.