Twenty minutes later, the heavy front doors swung open again, letting in the warm golden glow of the Texas afternoon sun.
A squad car pulled up to the front steps, and a small boy with tousled brown hair jumped out of the backseat.
Toby: Sadie!
Sadie sprinted across the grand foyer, her shoes sliding on the polished floor as she dropped to her knees with open arms.
Sadie: Toby! Oh my sweet boy!
Toby crashed into her arms, wrapping his little hands around her neck so tightly she could barely breathe.
He buried his face into her shoulder, sobbing loudly as Sadie showered his face with kisses.
Sadie: Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Look at me, Toby, look at me!
Toby: I was so scared, Sadie! Those men put me in a dark van, and they said I wouldn't see you again!
Sadie: You're safe now, baby. You're right here with me. Nobody will ever take you away again, I swear it!
Roman stood near the bottom of the grand staircase, watching the two siblings hold each other in the sunlight.
Detective Reynolds walked up beside Roman, tucking his notepad into his breast pocket.
Detective Reynolds: The kid is tough as nails, Mr. Sterling. He didn't break down until he saw the gates of your estate.
Roman: Good. Make sure the charges against Victoria and Julian are filed under aggravated kidnapping and extortion.
Detective Reynolds: With the evidence you handed us, the DA will have them locked away in a federal penitentiary for twenty-five years minimum.
Roman: That's what I wanted to hear. Thank you, Reynolds.
The detective tipped his hat and walked out, leaving the great hall filled only with the soft sounds of Sadie comforting her brother.
Sadie slowly stood up, holding Toby's hand tightly, and walked over to where Roman stood.
Toby looked up at Roman with wide, amazed eyes, staring at the billionaire's tall frame.
Toby: Are you the man who sent the police to get me?
Roman smiled slightly, dropping down onto one knee so he was eye-to-eye with the ten-year-old.
Roman: I had a few friends make some calls. You held your own out there, young man.
Toby: I told them my sister works for the strongest man in Dallas, and that he would come get me.
Sadie let out a wet, breathless laugh, wiping another tear from her cheek.
Sadie: Toby, don't brag like that.
Roman: He's right, Sadie. And he is safe now.
Sadie looked down at her stained uniform apron, suddenly aware of her bruised cheek and disheveled hair.
Sadie: Mr. Sterling, I know I've caused a tremendous disruption today. I will pack my things and vacate the staff quarters tonight.
Roman stood back up, his eyebrows furrowing as his dark eyes locked onto hers.
Roman: What did you just say?
Sadie: My presence brought criminals to your front door. I put your household in danger. I should resign immediately.
Roman: Sadie, you didn't bring criminals here. My foolish engagement brought a snake into this house.
Sadie: But sir...
Roman: You stood your ground and took a strike to the face to protect this property and your brother. You are not packing anything.
Sadie stared at him, her chest heaving as she tried to understand what he meant.
Sadie: Then... what do you want me to do?
Roman: Follow me to the library. There is something we need to discuss regarding your future.
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