Clara: Mr. Vance, the catering staff is asking what to do about the evening gala decor. The banners still have Victoria's initials on them.
Ethan: Tear them down. Take every trace of her name off this property.
Clara: Should we cancel the charity event entirely?
Ethan: Absolutely not. Tonight was meant to raise money for the children's hospital foundation. We are still hosting it.
Clara: But without a fiancée to host alongside you...
Ethan: I don't need a socialite fiancée to host a charity event, Clara. I have my son, and I have you.
Clara looked up in surprise, her cheeks flushing slightly under his gaze.
Clara: Me, sir? I am just the nanny.
Ethan: You are the person who protected the most important thing in my life today. I would be honored if you joined us at the head table.
Clara: I don't have an expensive gown for a high-society charity gala.
Ethan: My personal stylist will have six designer dresses delivered to your room in twenty minutes. Pick whichever one you like best.
By seven o'clock that evening, the grand ballroom was completely transformed.
Soft golden lights reflected off the polished marble floor, and the sweet scent of fresh white roses filled the warm air.
Dozens of wealthy business leaders, board members, and city officials filled the hall, whispering about the dramatic news of Victoria's arrest earlier that afternoon.
Board Member A: Did you hear? Ethan canceled the merger and had Victoria arrested for shoving his son!
Board Member B: Good for him! That Sterling girl was always arrogant and ruthless. She thought she was untouchable.
The grand double doors opened, and the entire ballroom fell silent.
Ethan Vance walked into the room wearing a sharp dark suit, holding six-year-old Leo's hand on his left.
On his right walked Clara, wearing an elegant midnight-blue silk dress that matched her bright eyes, her hair styled in soft waves over her shoulders.
Leo smiled brightly, his small arm wrapped around Clara's hand as they walked toward the center stage.
Leo: Clara, everybody is looking at us!
Clara: Just keep walking, sweetheart. You look like a handsome little prince tonight.
Ethan stepped up to the microphone at the front of the ballroom, his voice echoing clearly through the speaker system.
Ethan: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us tonight for the Vance Foundation Children's Gala.
The crowd applauded warmly, watching the billionaire CEO stand proudly beside his young son.
Ethan: As many of you know, today was supposed to be a celebration of a corporate alliance. But true family isn't built on contracts or money.
He looked down at Leo, then turned his gaze toward Clara, who smiled back at him.
Ethan: True family is built on protection, kindness, and unwavering love for those who cannot protect themselves.
Board Member A: Hear, hear!
Ethan: Tonight, I want to introduce someone very special who saved my son from danger today. Please give a warm welcome to Clara Miller.
The ballroom erupted into loud applause, and Clara's eyes filled with soft tears of gratitude as Leo clapped his tiny hands beside her.