Two large security guards stepped forward from the hallway and took Victoria firmly by the arms.
Victoria screamed in anger as she was led away down the wide marble hallway outside.
The guests remained frozen in silence as Ethan turned his attention back to Sarah and Lily.
He knelt down on one knee in front of his young daughter on the floor.
Ethan: Are you okay, sweetheart? Did she hurt you at all tonight?
Lily: No daddy, Sarah saved me and protected my silver locket from her.
Ethan looked up at Sarah with immense gratitude and deep respect in his tired eyes.
He realized that Sarah had risked her own livelihood to protect his small daughter tonight.
Ethan: Thank you, Sarah. You showed more courage tonight than anyone else here.
Sarah: I only did what was right for Lily, Mr. Sterling. She needed protection.
Ethan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small black leather notebook inside.
He opened it to reveal documents signed by his late wife before her untimely passing.
He had known about Victoria's growing coldness for several weeks after hiring a private attorney.
His lawyer had warned him that Victoria was attempting to change the family trust fund.
She wanted full control over the inheritance left behind for young Lily by her mother.
Victoria had planned to send Lily away to a distant boarding school next month permanently.
Sarah's brave actions tonight had forced the entire hidden scheme into the open air early.
Ethan stood up and addressed the gathered crowd of business partners and wealthy friends directly.
Ethan: Thank you all for attending, but tonight's party is now officially over.
Ethan: My legal team will handle all news regarding my upcoming divorce tomorrow morning.
The guests began to exit the mansion quietly while whispering about the dramatic scene.
Sarah helped Lily sit on the comfortable piano stool while picking up scattered pearls nearby.
Ethan walked over to Sarah and asked her to stop picking up the broken necklace.
Ethan: Leave those on the floor, Sarah. You are no longer a maid here.
Sarah: Sir? Are you firing me after everything that happened tonight?
Ethan: No, Sarah. I am offering you a new role as Lily's full guardian.