Two weeks later, the atmosphere inside the Sterling estate had completely transformed from tension to peace.
The heavy dark drapes in the foyer were opened wide, letting bright afternoon sunlight stream across the polished marble floors where the horrifying event had occurred.
In the grand office, Arthur sat behind his large mahogany desk, reviewing documents with his chief corporate attorney, Mr. Harrison.
Mr. Harrison: The annulment went through without a single hitch, Arthur. Victoria signed away all rights to alimony or estate assets in exchange for a lighter sentence plea deal.
Arthur: Did the prosecutor agree to the plea deal?
Mr. Harrison: Attempted murder charges stand firm. She's looking at fifteen to twenty years in state prison without chance of early parole.
Arthur: Good. That means she'll be an old woman before she ever sees daylight again.
Mr. Harrison: Now, regarding the changes you wanted to make to your personal estate and trust distribution...
Arthur: I want the secondary guardian papers drawn up immediately. If anything ever happens to me, I want Clara to have full custody of Lily.
Mr. Harrison: The maid? Are you entirely sure about this, Arthur? You have family relatives in Chicago.
Arthur: My relatives didn't throw themselves onto marble floors to save my daughter's life. Clara did. She proved her love and loyalty when it mattered most.
Mr. Harrison: Understood, sir. I will draft the legal custody and trust administration papers today.
Arthur signed his signature on the final line of the document and stepped out into the main foyer, hearing the cheerful sound of laughter coming from the kitchen.
He walked down the hall and saw Clara teaching Lily how to bake vanilla sugar cookies, both of them covered in small smudges of flour.
Lily: Look, Daddy! I made a cookie shaped like a heart!
Arthur: That looks delicious, sweetheart! You two are turning into expert bakers.
Clara: We're almost finished cleaning up the kitchen, Mr. Sterling. I'll get back to my regular cleaning duties right away.
Arthur: Clara, stop wiping the counter for a moment. I need to talk to you.
Clara set down her kitchen towel, looking up with a gentle, curious smile.
Clara: Is everything alright, sir? Did the lawyers need another statement from me?
Arthur: No, the legal case against Victoria is closed. She is going away for twenty years.
Clara: That's a relief to hear.
Arthur: I called you in here because I'm officially terminating your contract as our housemaid today.
Clara's face fell slightly, her hands trembling as she wiped them on her apron.
Clara: Terminating my contract? Did I do something wrong, Mr. Sterling?
Arthur: You did everything right, Clara. That's why you are no longer a maid in this house.