Chapter 10 - The Ultimate Reward
The chaotic, violent energy completely evaporated from the grand luxury mansion.
Ethan instructed his security team to politely dismiss the stunned guests. Within minutes, the massive, beautiful room was completely quiet, save for Ethan, Maria, and little Lily.
Maria was still standing near the edge of the room, holding her daughter's hand tightly. She expected to simply go back to the kitchen and finish cleaning up the shattered champagne glasses.
Ethan walked slowly toward them.
The cold, terrifying executioner completely vanished. He looked exhausted, but his dark eyes were filled with a profound, overwhelming gratitude. He didn't look at them like servants. He looked at them like family.
He dropped to one knee right on the polished marble floor, entirely ignoring his expensive tuxedo, and looked directly into the brave eyes of the little girl in the white lace dress.
"You saved my life tonight, Lily," Ethan signed to her with trembling hands. "You are the bravest girl I have ever known."
Lily finally smiled, dropping her stuffed bunny to hug him tightly around the neck.
Ethan slowly stood up and looked at Maria.
"Your job as a housekeeper ended the second you brought that vial into this room," Ethan vowed, the absolute power of his massive wealth backing every syllable. "I am elevating you to the Director of Estate Operations. I am quadrupling your salary, providing a private suite, and I am fully funding the best medical specialists in the world to help Lily. You are no longer the hired help. You are home."
Tears of pure, unadulterated relief and joy spilled down Maria’s cheeks.
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The dark shadows of cruelty and betrayal were permanently banished from the estate, replaced by an empire built on absolute loyalty, undeniable courage, and perfect justice.
If you were Ethan, would you have handed Vanessa over to the FBI, or was completely bankrupting her family the absolute perfect revenge?
