By the next morning, news of the arrest had leaked to the local Texas media. Reporters gathered near the gate of the Vance estate, cameras flashing as private security guards kept them back. Inside the study, Mark sat with his corporate attorney, Arthur Pendelton, reviewing financial ledgers spread out across the heavy oak desk.
Arthur: Mark, the forensic accountants finished reviewing the digital transfers an hour ago. It's worse than we thought.
Mark: How much did she manage to move?
Arthur: Over three point five million dollars across four different dummy corporations. She had been planning this financial fraud for over eight months.
Mark: Can we freeze those accounts?
Arthur: Now that she’s in police custody on felony charges, the court issued an emergency injunction. Every single dollar has been frozen and will be restored to your company estate by the end of the week.
Mark: Good. What about the criminal charges?
Arthur: The DA saw the foyer security camera video. They aren't offering a plea bargain. She’s looking at fifteen to twenty years in state prison for attempted murder and child endangerment.
There was a soft knock on the study door. Elena stepped inside holding a tray with two fresh cups of coffee.
Elena: Excuse me, Mr. Vance. I brought some coffee for you and Mr. Pendelton.
Mark: Thank you, Elena. Set it down right here.
Arthur: Ah, so this is the young lady who caught little Lily?
Mark: Yes, Arthur. This is Elena. The bravest woman I know.
Elena: You're too kind, Mr. Vance. I’m just glad Lily is safe and eating her breakfast normally today.
Arthur: You know, Miss Elena, your statement to the police yesterday was vital. Without your testimony about the forged bank documents, Evelyn’s defense team might have tried to claim the video was staged.
Elena: I spoke only the truth. She put a child in danger to cover her greed.
Mark: And that truth saved this entire family, Elena. Which brings me to something I want to discuss with you.
Elena: Sir?
Mark: Please, sit down.
Elena paused, looking uncertain, before carefully taking a seat on the leather chair opposite the desk.
Mark: You’ve been working as a house maid here for two years, earning hourly wage cleaning up after a woman who treated you like trash.
Elena: It was honest work, Mr. Vance. It paid for my night classes at the university.
Mark: What are you studying?
Elena: Early childhood education and business management. I have one year left before graduation.
Mark looked at his attorney, who gave a warm, knowing nod.
Mark: Well, as of today, your maid duties are officially over.
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