Marcus walked down the stairs, sweeping Clara into a warm, protective embrace before turning to Sarah, who was still cradling little Toby.
Marcus: Sarah... I don't even have the words to describe what you did today.
Sarah: You don't have to say anything, Mr. Sterling. I just did what anyone who loves this baby would do.
Marcus: Most people would have frozen in fear. You dived across a marble floor and took the impact on your own body to save my son's life.
Clara: Look at your knees, Sarah... you're bleeding through your stockings!
Sarah: It's just a scrape, Mrs. Sterling. I barely feel it.
Marcus: Effective immediately, Sarah, you are no longer the household maid.
Sarah's eyes widened in panic, her breath catching in her throat.
Sarah: Mr. Sterling... please don't fire me! I love working for your family!
Marcus: I'm not firing you, Sarah. I am appointing you as the full-time Head Estate Manager and primary guardian of Toby's personal trust fund.
Clara: Your salary will be quadrupled, and you will have full health coverage, your own private suite in the East Wing, and a percentage of the trust fund management fees.
Sarah: I... I don't know what to say... that's way too much!
Marcus: You saved the heir to the Sterling estate. You are family now, Sarah. And family takes care of each other.
Baby: Coo... coo...
Toby reached out his tiny hand, clutching Sarah's finger with a soft smile on his face. Clara wept softly with joy, resting her head against Marcus's shoulder as bright natural sunlight poured across the pristine marble foyer.
The evil that had threatened to tear their home apart was finally gone forever, replaced by love, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond of a true family.