The following morning, the sun rose over the vast green lawns of the Vance estate.
Arthur stood near the study desk, reviewing a stack of legal documents with his chief financial attorney.
Attorney Hayes: "The divorce papers are finalized, Arthur. Victoria signed the complete waiver of rights this morning in detention."
Arthur: "And the trust fund accounts?"
Attorney Hayes: "Fully secured. Not a single dollar was lost to her scheme."
Arthur: "Good. What about the criminal charges filed by the district attorney?"
Attorney Hayes: "Attempted murder, financial fraud, and conspiracy. She is looking at fifteen to twenty years without parole."
Arthur: "Justice is served. Thank you, Hayes."
The attorney packed his leather briefcase, shook Arthur's hand firmly, and left the quiet room.
A moment later, Elena entered the room carrying a silver tray with fresh coffee and breakfast pastries.
Elena: "Good morning, Mr. Vance. I brought your morning coffee."
Arthur: "Thank you, Elena. Please, sit down for a moment."
Elena looked hesitant, holding the tray carefully in her hands.
Elena: "Are you sure? I still feel strange sitting in the formal study."
Arthur: "You are no longer a maid here, Elena. You are the manager of this entire estate now."
She pulled out a leather armchair and sat down gracefully across from his desk.
Elena: "I still can't believe how you managed to keep up the act for so long."
Arthur: "It was difficult, especially when she brought her fake sympathy around my friends."
Elena: "How did you know for sure she was trying to destroy you?"
Arthur: "When a person cares more about your life insurance policy than your medical recovery, their motives become clear."
Elena: "She thought money bought power over everyone."
Arthur: "Money only reveals character, Elena. It doesn't create it. It made her cruel, but it made you brave."
Elena: "I just couldn't watch her bully you when you were down."
Arthur: "And that courage is worth more than all the gold dresses in Manhattan."
Arthur reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a clean leather-bound contract.
Arthur: "This is your new employment contract. A full salary, health insurance, and college tuition coverage for your younger brother."
Elena's eyes filled with sudden tears of gratitude as she looked at the document.
Elena: "You are paying for my brother's college tuition?!"
Arthur: "He wants to study law, right? We need honest lawyers in this country."
Elena: "I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Vance."
Arthur: "Just keep being the honest person you've always been."
He stood up from his leather chair and walked over to the wide glass window overlooking the gardens.
Arthur: "For months, I stared at these lawns from a wheelchair, feeling like a prisoner in my own home."
Elena: "And now?"
Arthur: "Now, I am finally free."