The heavy front doors clicked shut, closing out the madness of the past hour. The mansion felt lighter, as if a dark cloud had finally been lifted from every corner of the house. Arthur walked over to Clara, who was sitting on the sofa in the living room with Leo wrapped in a warm blanket, sipping a cup of warm chamomile tea.
Arthur: Clara, I don't even know how to begin to thank you for what you did today.
Clara: You don't have to thank me, Mr. Vance. I just did what any decent person would do. Leo is a good boy, and he deserves to feel safe in his own home.
Arthur took a seat on the leather armchair opposite them. He looked down at his hands, feeling a deep sense of regret for letting his busy work schedule blind him to what was happening under his own roof.
Arthur: I was so focused on building my business, managing investments, and growing my wealth that I failed to see the danger right in front of my son. If you hadn't stood up to her today, I don't know what would have happened.
Clara: You are here now, Mr. Vance. That is what matters to Leo.
Arthur: You put your job on the line to protect him. Starting today, you are no longer the maid of this household. I want to offer you a permanent position as Leo's personal guardian and house manager, with triple your current salary and full medical benefits for your family.
Clara's eyes opened wide in utter shock. Her hands shook slightly as she put her teacup down on the wooden coffee table.
Clara: Mr. Vance... that is far too generous! I couldn't possibly accept that much money!
Arthur: It is not generous at all. It is what you deserve. My son trusts you, and more importantly, I know you will keep him safe when I am not here. Please say yes.
Leo looked up from his warm blanket, pulling gently on Clara's sleeve with a small, hopeful smile on his face.
Leo: Please stay with us, Clara. I want you to stay.
Clara felt tears of pure joy fill her eyes. She smiled warmly, wrapping her arm around the boy's shoulders as a deep sense of relief washed over her entire body.
Clara: Of course I will stay, Leo. I'm not going anywhere.