With Victoria gone, the study fell into a heavy, quiet calm. Harold Cole wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead, looking at Julian with a desperate, pleading expression.
Harold: "Julian... look, my daughter's actions are unforgivable. I acknowledge that now. But our business merger... Sterling Energy and Cole Logistics... we don't have to cancel the deal over this, do we?"
Julian: "The deal is dead, Harold. And so is your credit line."
Harold: "Julian, please! If you pull your capital out, my firm will be forced into bankruptcy within thirty days!"
Julian: "You should have raised a daughter who wasn't a sociopath, Harold. Leave my estate before I have my security escort you out like your daughter."
Harold opened his mouth to argue, but seeing the cold, unyielding look in Julian's eyes, he slumped his shoulders in defeat, grabbed his leather briefcase, and hurried out of the room.
Julian let out a long, heavy sigh, resting his face in his hands. Arthur Vance walked over, placing a gentle hand on his client's shoulder.
Arthur Vance: "You did the right thing today, Julian. You protected your son and stood up for your staff."
Julian: "I almost missed it, Arthur. If I hadn't come home early to pick up those contract files, Sarah would still be taking blows for my boy."
Arthur Vance: "Speaking of Sarah... what do you plan to do for her? She took a severe hit to the face protecting Leo."
Julian: "I want to speak with her privately right now. Can you ask her to step into the study?"
Arthur Vance: "Of course. I'll give you two some privacy."
A few moments later, a knock sounded at the heavy oak door. Sarah stepped into the study cautiously, a cold ice pack held against her bruised left cheek. Her grey uniform was still slightly rumpled, but her expression was calm and brave.
Julian: "Sarah, please... come sit down."
Sarah: "Thank you, Mr. Sterling. Is... is Victoria really gone?"
Julian: "She's in police custody, Sarah. She will never step foot in this house again, and she will be facing federal child abuse charges."
Sarah let out a small breath of relief, stepping over to sit on the edge of the leather armchair across from the desk.
Sarah: "Thank God. Little Leo can finally play in his own home without being terrified."
Julian: "I brought you in here because I owe you a debt I can never fully repay, Sarah. You put yourself in danger to shield my son from a cruel woman."
Sarah: "I couldn't just stand there, sir. My mother taught me that protecting a helpless child is the most important duty anyone can have."
Julian smiled warmly, leaning back in his executive chair, looking at the young woman with deep respect.
Julian: "Tell me about your mother, Sarah. What was her name?"
Sarah: "Her name was Clara Miller, sir. She passed away four years ago."
Julian's eyes widened in sudden, sharp shock, the color instantly draining from his face as the name echoed through the quiet room.
Julian: "Clara... Clara Miller? From Saint Jude Hospital in Houston?"
Sarah: "Yes! How did you know that, Mr. Sterling?!"