Chapter 9 - The Rightful Place
The chaotic, overwhelming energy completely evaporated from the grand ballroom.
Theodore instructed his security team to politely dismiss the stunned guests. Within minutes, the massive room was completely quiet, save for Theodore, Dragan, Oswald, and Nadia.
Nadia was still standing near the wall, her hands trembling slightly from the adrenaline of the night. She expected to simply go back to the kitchen and finish cleaning up the shattered champagne glasses.
Theodore walked slowly toward her. He looked completely exhausted, deeply heartbroken, but his eyes were filled with a profound, overwhelming guilt and respect.
He dropped to one knee right on the polished floor, entirely ignoring his expensive suit, and looked up at her.
"I am so incredibly sorry, Nadia," Theodore choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "I brought a monster into your home, and I was too blind to see what she was doing to you. You will never, ever be invisible in this house again."
Nadia swallowed hard, looking down at the floor. "I just wanted to keep my sister safe, Mr. Hawthorne."
"You did," Theodore vowed, standing up. "Your job as a maid ended the second you took off that scarf."
He turned to Oswald, who nodded in absolute agreement.
May you like
"Oswald is retiring next month," Theodore stated firmly, the absolute power of his massive wealth backing every syllable. "I am elevating you to the Head of Estate Operations. I am quadrupling your salary, providing a private suite for you and Mila, and ensuring her medical trust is permanently, legally funded for the rest of her life. You are no longer the hired help. You are the heart of this family."
👉 Tears of pure relief spilled down Nadia's cheeks, but Dragan had one final, perfect gift for her.
