David: "Maria... I don't even know what to say to you. 'Thank you' feels completely meaningless right now."
Maria: "You don't have to say anything, Mr. Vance. I just did what any human being would do."
David: "No, most people would have frozen in fear. You put your own body on the line. Look at your arms, you're bruised."
Maria looked down at her elbows, noticing deep red marks and scrapes from the hard marble floor. She hadn't even felt the pain until now.
Maria: "It's just a few scratches, sir. They will heal. What matters is that little Lily is alive."
David looked at his daughter, who was now resting her head against his shoulder, her tiny hand gripping his jacket lapel securely.
David: "She's alive because of you. My life is safe because of you. I was blind to the snake living in my own house."
Maria: "It's hard to see evil when it wears a beautiful face, sir."
David: "That woman will never step foot in this house again. And neither will Richard Sterling. I am calling my corporate legal team right now."
David pulled out his phone, dialing his lead company attorney while keeping one arm wrapped firmly around his daughter.
David: "Arthur? It's David. Issue a freeze on all personal accounts immediately. Call the district attorney. Richard Sterling and my wife just attempted to murder my daughter."
He paused as the lawyer reacted with shock on the other end of the line.
David: "Yes, I'm serious. Have Richard arrested at his office before he realizes the plan failed. Do it now."
David hung up the phone and turned back to face Maria. His stern, powerful demeanor softened into genuine humility.
David: "Maria, you are no longer a maid in this house."
Maria: "Sir? Are you firing me?"
David: "Firing you? God no! I want you to stay here as Lily's official legal guardian and house manager. With a salary that reflects what you're truly worth."
Maria: "Mr. Vance, I... I don't know what to say. That's too much."
David: "It's not enough. You saved my entire world today. You are family now."
Maria felt tears prick her eyes again, but this time they were tears of relief and joy. She looked at little Lily, who reached out her small hand toward her.
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