An emotional string melody filled the background as Richard extended a strong, steady hand toward the floor. The young maid looked up in absolute awe and gratitude, her eyes shimmering with unsanitent tears as she stared at the billionaire she had just defended. The contrast between the billionaire's warmth toward a humble employee and his freezing glare toward his treacherous companion was blinding to everyone present. Whispers broke out among the investors, many of whom had secretly despised Victoria's abrasive attitude during charity board meetings. She lunged forward, trying to salvage her social standing by grabbing Richard's arm, but he pulled away with an expression of pure disgust. The emotional climax swell reached its peak as the maid slowly placed her trembling hand into his palm, allowing him to pull her gracefully to her feet. The entire hall watched in spellbound silence, witnessing a public demonstration of true nobility that money could never buy.
Victoria: Richard, please! Do not let a hired servant turn you against your own flesh and blood! We are partners!
Richard: We were never partners, Victoria. You were an opportunistic parasite waiting for me to die so you could inherit my estate.
Victoria: That is a lie! My name is on the legal marriage certificate! I have rights to half of your corporate holdings!
Richard: Your name is also on the security logs showing you embezzled funds and neglected my medical care. My lawyers have all of it.
Maid: Thank you, sir... I was so afraid I would lose my job for speaking up against her.
Richard: You will never have to worry about employment or mistreatment again, I promise you that. What is your name?
Maid: Maya, sir. My name is Maya.
Richard: Well, Maya, tonight marks a very important change in how this foundation and this estate are going to operate.
Victoria's face twisted into an ugly mask of rage as she realized her grand lifestyle, her luxury penthouse, and her social immunity were entirely gone. She tried to appeal to the wealthy guests standing nearby, but one by one, they turned their backs on her in silent condemnation. The high-society alliance she had built on fear and manipulation dissolved into nothingness under the warm glow of the chandeliers. Richard stood tall, his presence commanding the entire room as he addressed the stunned audience directly. Maya stood beside him, her simple uniform a stark contrast to the designer gowns around them, yet she carried herself with newfound dignity.
Victoria: You cannot throw me out like trash! I know too many secrets about your business deals!
Richard: Share them with the authorities, Victoria. They are already investigating your financial fraud accounts as we speak.