Three days had passed since the intense morning that changed everything inside the Sterling household.
Victoria was arrested at a luxury hotel downtown while attempting to board a flight out of state.
The security footage was presented to a judge, who denied her bail due to flight risk concerns.
Her legal team tried to fight the charges, but the video evidence was completely undeniable.
Arthur sat in the living room holding baby Leo while Elena served hot tea on the table.
The atmosphere inside the giant white mansion felt brighter and far more peaceful than before.
Arthur: The prosecutor called this morning to confirm that Victoria accepted a plea deal today.
Elena: Does that mean she will not be coming anywhere near this property again, sir?
Arthur: She will serve five years in state prison and lose all claims to any settlement.
Elena smiled softly as she picked up Leo's empty baby bottle from the side counter shelf.
She felt proud that she had trusted her instincts and acted quickly to save the child.
Arthur stood up from his chair and walked over to Elena with a warm, genuine smile.
Arthur: I am raising your salary and giving you full managerial control over the estate staff.
Elena: Mr. Sterling, that is far too generous, I was just doing my duty here.
Arthur: You saved my son's life and protected this family when no one else was looking.
He handed Elena a signed legal document appointing her as the primary administrator of Leo's fund.
This meant that no future relative could ever tamper with the boy's protected financial assets again.
Elena wiped a joyful tear from her eye as she looked down at the smiling infant boy.
Elena: I promise to always keep him safe and happy as long as I work here.
Arthur: You are not just an employee anymore, Elena, you are family to us forever now.
They walked out onto the sunny back patio overlooking the green rolling hills of the estate.
The dark shadows of greed and deception had finally been cleared away from their lives completely.
Truth and loyalty had prevailed over money and power in the grand house on the hill.