The following morning, Richard called his family divorce lawyer and legal estate manager.
He immediately canceled Victoria's access to all family bank accounts and credit cards.
He filed for an immediate annulment on the grounds of fraud and cruelty.
The prenuptial agreement Victoria signed legally stripped her of any rights to his fortune.
She would receive nothing from the Vance family estate except a prison sentence.
After finishing his legal meetings, Richard sat down with Elena in the dining room.
He slid an official legal document across the polished wooden table toward her.
"What is this, Mr. Vance?" Elena asked, looking down at the paper.
"That is an employment contract for the position of head household director," Richard explained.
"It includes a salary five times higher than what you currently earn today."
Elena's eyes widened in complete disbelief as she read the numbers on the paper.
"Mr. Vance, this is way too much, I was just doing my job!" she exclaimed.
"You didn't just do your job, Elena, you acted like real family," Richard insisted.
"You showed genuine love and bravery when my daughter needed it most."
He also handed her a separate trust fund certificate created in her name.
"This trust fund guarantees your college education and a home of your own," he added.
Elena held the papers close to her chest as tears of joy filled her eyes.
Little Maya ran into the dining room, laughing happily as she carried her favorite teddy bear.
She climbed right onto Elena's lap and hugged her around the waist tightly.
"Elena stay with me forever?" Maya asked with bright, hopeful eyes.
Elena hugged the little girl back, wiping away a happy tear from her cheek.
"Yes, sweetie, I'm not going anywhere," Elena promised with a warm smile.
Richard watched them together, feeling a deep sense of peace return to his heart.
The dark storm caused by greed and deception had finally cleared from their lives.
Justice had been served, and true loyalty was recognized and rewarded at last.