Ethan took a firm step toward Victoria, his jaw tight with an unbearable sense of betrayal and rage.
He raised his hand and slammed his open palm against Victoria's cheek in a sharp, sudden action.
The shock sent Victoria stumbling backward against the decorative wooden banister of the grand main staircase.
She held her face in disbelief, her dark eyes wide as she stared at the man she tried to deceive.
Ethan raised his voice again, warning her never to speak another lie in the presence of his family.
He raised his hand a second time, striking her cheek again to break through her arrogant façade entirely.
Victoria shrieked, clutching her burning face as tears of humiliation began to spill down her cheeks.
Ethan pointed a stern finger directly at her face, his body shaking with deep, unstoppable fury.
He ordered her to get out of his house immediately before he had the police drag her away.
Ethan declared that he would use every legal resource he possessed to ensure she faced full justice.
He mentioned his team of aggressive lawyers, promising to ruin her reputation and financial standing forever.
Victoria backed away slowly, realizing that she had lost everything in a matter of mere seconds.
She looked around the grand mansion that she had hoped to control, now completely barred from her reach.
Without saying another word, she turned and fled out the open front doors toward her luxury car outside.
The heavy doors remained open, letting the clean morning air sweep away the dark tension inside.
Ethan stood in the center of the room for a long moment, breathing heavily to regain his composure.
He turned back around toward the maid who was still sitting on the cool white marble floor.
Ethan walked over slowly, dropping down to his knees right beside Maria and his young daughter.
He looked at Maria with immense gratitude, his eyes filling with tears as he reached for Chloe.
Maria carefully handed the baby over into her father's waiting, gentle arms, letting out a breath.
Ethan pulled Chloe tightly against his chest, kissing her small forehead over and over again with love.
He thanked Maria from the bottom of his heart, acknowledging that she had saved his daughter's life today.
He stated that a simple thank you would never be enough for the brave act she performed.
Maria wiped her wet cheeks with the corner of her apron, smiling softly as the baby calmed down.
She told Ethan that she only did what any decent person would do to protect a child.
Ethan shook his head, insisting that her courage went far beyond simple duty or basic employment standards.
He promised her that her life was about to change for the better starting from this exact moment.