Julian stood up slowly from his kneeling position beside his grandmother. He adjusted his silk tie and turned his full attention toward Maya, who stood quietly near the wheelchair. His cold expression had completely melted away, replaced by genuine warmth and deep respect.
Julian: Maya, are you hurt?
Maya: No, Mr. Vance. I'm fine. I was only worried about Mrs. Gable.
Julian: You stood your ground against a woman who could have ruined your career. Why?
Maya: Because Mrs. Gable treated me like a human being when I started working here. I don't care how much money someone has, Mr. Vance. Cruelty is cruelty.
Julian stared at Maya for a quiet moment, his eyes filled with a new feeling he had never experienced before. For the past two years, he had seen her around the house as a quiet worker cleaning rooms and organizing events. But seeing her step in front of an aggressive bully to shield his helpless grandmother had opened his eyes completely.
Evelyn: She's a good girl, Julian. A very good girl. Don't you let her go.
Julian: I don't intend to, Grandmother. In fact, I think it's time we restructured the management of this entire house.
Maya: What do you mean, sir?
Julian: Maya, come with me to the main study. I need you to review some documents with me regarding the estate staff.
Maya: Of course, Mr. Vance. Let me just help Mrs. Gable to the garden first.
Evelyn: Go on, child. I can rest here in the sun for a few minutes. Take care of business.
Maya gave the elderly woman a warm smile and walked beside Julian down the long, mahogany-paneled corridor that led to his private office. The large oak double doors closed shut behind them, cutting off the distant noise of Chloe shouting at her personal assistant on the second floor.
The study was massive, filled with rows of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, rich leather armchairs, and a polished dark wood desk sitting near a massive bay window overlooking the estate grounds. Julian gestured for Maya to take a seat in front of the desk while he walked around to the side wall.
Julian: Sit down, Maya. Please.
Maya: Thank you, sir. What documents did you need me to look over?
Julian: First, I want to apologize. I should have seen how Chloe was treating you and the rest of the staff weeks ago.
Maya: She was careful when you were around, Mr. Vance. She only acted like that when she thought no one important was watching.
Julian: Well, she made a fatal mistake today. But there's something else you need to know about why she was so desperate to get rid of you.
Julian reached behind a classic oil painting framed on the dark wall and pulled out a small brass key. He turned the mechanism of a heavy steel wall safe concealed behind the canvas. With a soft click, the heavy safe door swung open, revealing legal files stacked inside. He pulled out a thick blue folder and laid it on the polished desk in front of Maya.