David walked down the grand stairs, his hands shaking slightly as the adrenaline began to fade from his body. He walked into the master suite hallway and knocked softly on the wooden door.
David: Sarah? It's me. They took her away. You can open the door now.
The door unlocked with a soft click, and Sarah stepped out, carrying little Lily wrapped in a soft pink blanket. The baby had stopped crying and was now sucking on her thumb, resting her head against Sarah's shoulder.
Sarah: Is she really gone, Mr. Sterling?
David: She's going to prison, Sarah. She will never step foot inside this house or near my daughter ever again.
David reached out, his eyes filling with tears as he took his daughter gently into his arms. He held the infant tightly against his chest, kissing her forehead over and over again.
David: My sweet girl... my poor little sweet girl... I'm so sorry Daddy wasn't here to protect you.
Sarah: She's safe now, sir. She doesn't have a single scratch on her.
David looked up at Sarah, taking in the fair-skinned maid's red, tear-stained eyes and the faint freckles on her cheeks. He realized in that moment that this woman had risked her own life to dive across a marble floor to save his child.
David: Sarah... I don't even know how to begin thanking you. You saved my daughter's life today.
Sarah: You don't need to thank me, Mr. Sterling. I love Lily like she was my own sister. I would never let anyone hurt her.
David: Starting today, you are no longer our maid, Sarah.
Sarah blinked in confusion, her hands dropping to her sides as a look of worry flashed across her face.
Sarah: Sir...? Are you firing me?
David: Firing you? Absolutely not! I want you to be Lily's full-time head guardian and nanny, with a salary three times what you're making now, full medical benefits, and your own private suite in this house.
Sarah: Mr. Sterling... three times my salary? That's... that's too much!
David: It isn't nearly enough for what you did today. You showed more maternal love and courage than the woman I was foolish enough to marry.
Sarah: Oh, Mr. Sterling... thank you! I promise I will protect Lily with everything I have!
David: I know you will, Sarah. You've already proven that to God and everyone else.