Julian walked back toward the kitchen with a heavy heart full of deep emotion.
He saw Sarah diligently wiping down the stove burners with a soft yellow sponge.
Her baby boy was resting quietly in his stroller near the open glass patio doors.
Sarah looked up nervously when she heard his heavy footsteps entering the large kitchen.
Sarah: Is there anything specific you need me to prepare for lunch, Mr. Sterling?
Julian walked over to the marble island and leaned against the smooth stone surface.
Julian: Sarah, I want you to stop working right now and sit down with me.
Sarah looked confused and lowered her sponge into the warm soapy water bucket.
Sarah: Did I do something wrong with my morning cleaning duties, sir?
Julian: No, you did absolutely nothing wrong, Sarah.
He pulled out one of the high padded leather chairs at the dining counter for her.
Julian: Please, just sit down and talk with me for a few minutes.
Sarah dried her wet hands on her clean white apron and sat down cautiously on the edge of the chair.
Julian looked directly into her green eyes and saw his own father's gaze looking back at him.
Julian: Tell me about your childhood growing up in Oakridge.
Sarah hesitated for a second, wondering why her wealthy boss cared about her personal past.
Sarah: My mother raised me alone after adopting me when I was just a newborn baby.
Julian: Did she ever tell you anything about your biological father?
Sarah shook her head slowly as a gentle look of sadness touched her young face.
Sarah: She only knew his first name was Arthur, and that he was a wealthy businessman.
Julian felt his heart leap into his throat at the direct confirmation of her words.
Julian: Did he ever leave behind any personal items or documents for you?
Sarah: No, my adoptive mother said the adoption was handled quickly through a private lawyer.
Sarah: We moved around a lot because money was always very tight for our family.
Julian rested his hands flat on the marble counter to steady his shaking fingers.
Julian: What happened to your job before you came to work in my home?
Sarah: I worked as a waitress, but the restaurant closed down right after Owen was born.
Sarah: I could not find work anywhere else until the domestic agency sent me here.
Julian reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out his black leather wallet.
He pulled out several crisp hundred dollar bills and placed them softly on the counter near her hand.
Sarah stared at the stack of money in total shock and pulled back her hands immediately.
Sarah: Oh no, Mr. Sterling, I cannot accept charity from you like this.
Julian: This is not charity, Sarah, not even close.
Sarah: I only earn my weekly paycheck, and I will never take extra money I did not work for.
Julian: Sarah, please look at me very carefully right now.
She looked up at him, her heart beating fast with rising anxiety and deep confusion.
Julian: My late father's name was Arthur Sterling.
Sarah froze in her seat as the words echoed through the silent luxury kitchen.
Sarah: What did you just say to me, sir?
Julian: My father was Arthur Sterling, and he was born in upstate New York.