Three weeks passed quickly after that terrible morning at the Sterling family estate.
The news of Victoria's arrest had made front page headlines across the entire city.
She remained locked in the county jail waiting for her upcoming criminal court trial date.
Arthur had completely fired the old legal team that helped Victoria draft those papers.
He sat inside his bright downtown office near a wide glass window overlooking the park.
Elena stood near the wooden desk wearing a comfortable blue sweater and black pants.
Grandfather: Elena, thank you so much for coming down to meet with me today.
Elena: Of course, Mr. Sterling. How is little Lily doing at home now?
Grandfather: She is sleeping through the night again and smiling every single day.
Arthur pushed a thick white envelope across the smooth polished wood toward Elena.
Elena looked down at the envelope and held her hands behind her back firmly.
Elena: What is this, Mr. Sterling?
Grandfather: This is a formal check from the family trust fund for your incredible bravery.
Elena: I cannot accept money for doing the right moral thing, sir.
Grandfather: This is not just a reward, Elena. It is an investment in your future.
Arthur opened the thick white paper folder sitting on the corner of his desk.
Grandfather: Lily needs a permanent guardian manager to oversee her safety and daily care.
Elena: Are you asking me to work for your family in a new position?
Grandfather: I am asking you to head our new children safety charity foundation entirely.
Elena looked at the older man in complete surprise as her eyes filled with tears.
Elena: A foundation for protecting children in danger?
Grandfather: Yes, and we want you to be the executive director with full control.
Elena: I have never managed an entire foundation before in my life, sir.
Grandfather: You have more heart and real courage than any manager I ever hired.
The double office doors swung open softly and Lily skipped happily into the big room.
She ran straight over to Elena and wrapped her small arms around Elena's knees.
Lily: Elena! You came to visit me today!
Elena: I sure did, sweet girl! Look at your beautiful bright smile today!
Lily: Grandpa says you are going to help lots of other kids stay safe now!
Elena knelt down on the soft plush carpet and hugged the happy little girl back.
Elena: I am going to try my absolute best every single day, Lily.
Arthur watched them with a soft, warm smile on his tired gray face.
Grandfather: The mansion wall is being completely remodeled starting early tomorrow morning.
Elena: That is very good news, Mr. Sterling.
Grandfather: We are tearing out that hidden compartment and filling it with solid stone.
Lily giggled as Elena tickled her sides gently on the soft office floor.
The darkness that once filled the grand hallway was finally gone for good now.