Maya: I enjoy hard work, Mr. Sterling. Serving food helped me pay for my college tuition without taking out debt.
Richard: That kind of work ethic is rare in this world, Maya. Victoria lived off my wealth for ten years and never worked a single honest hour in her life.
Maya: Wealth without work makes people forget what matters, sir.
Richard: Exactly. Which is why I am hiring you as the permanent operational director of the Sterling Family Charity Trust starting tomorrow morning.
Maya blinked in utter surprise, her hands dropping to her sides as she stared at the wealthy billionaire.
Maya: Operational director, sir? I... I haven't even graduated yet!
Richard: You just saved the life of the founder of the trust, Maya. You have demonstrated more integrity, observational skill, and courage in five minutes than my entire board of directors has shown in ten years.
Julian: Father is right, Maya. You saved our family from a terrible tragedy tonight. You deserve that position more than anyone.
Maya: Mr. Sterling, I don't know what to say... That trust fund manages millions of dollars for children's hospitals!
Richard: And you will be managing every single dollar of it with a starting salary of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year, plus full tuition reimbursement for your degree.
Tears of shock and relief welled up in Maya's eyes as she looked at the old man. She stood tall in her server's uniform, her black bow tie straight under the high-key lights of the room.
Maya: Thank you, Mr. Sterling. I promise you, I will protect every dollar of that charity the same way I protected your glass tonight.
Richard: I know you will, my dear. I know you will.
An hour later, the dining hall was quiet. The dinner guests had returned to their homes, leaving only Richard, Julian, and Maya standing near the wide glass windows that looked out over the sunlit estate grounds.
Mr. Henderson, the family lawyer, set down his golden fountain pen on the white marble table, placing his stamp on the new legal document.
Mr. Henderson: The updated amendment is fully notarized, Mr. Sterling. Victoria has been officially removed from all trust funds, life insurance policies, and family property deeds.
Richard: Excellent. And what about Maya’s appointment to the charity board?
Mr. Henderson: Her name has been entered as the primary chief executive officer of the Sterling Foundation, with full voting rights starting immediately.
Julian: What will happen to Victoria’s personal assets, Mr. Henderson?
Mr. Henderson: Since her assets were acquired through her marriage to you, and she was arrested for attempted murder on the estate, all of her accounts have been frozen by federal order. She will have no access to family funds for her criminal defense.
Richard: She chose her path when she marked that wine decanter, Henderson. Justice will take its course.
Maya: Thank you for believing in me, Mr. Sterling. I won't let you down.
Richard: You already saved my life, Maya. You could never let me down.