The silence in the grand foyer was immediate and deafening[cite: 1]. For the first time in months, the heavy, tense atmosphere that had hung over the estate completely disappeared.
Elena: Is she really gone?
Julian: She's gone. And my legal team will ensure she never sets foot on this property again[cite: 1].
The heavy doors leading to the kitchen area slowly opened, and the head housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, stepped out nervously holding a tray of tea[cite: 1].
Mrs. Gable: Mr. Sterling... Miss Elena... is everything alright?
Julian: Mrs. Gable, come here, please.
The older woman walked over, her hands trembling slightly as she set the tea tray down on the marble hallway table[cite: 1].
Mrs. Gable: I heard the yelling... I was so worried...
Julian: Victoria has been removed from this house permanently. She will no longer be living here, nor will she ever have authority over any of the staff again[cite: 1].
Mrs. Gable's eyes widened, tears instantly springing to her eyes as she let out a long, shaky breath[cite: 1].
Mrs. Gable: Oh, thank God... Thank you, Mr. Sterling. She made life a living nightmare for everyone here whenever you were at the office.
Julian: I owe all of you a massive apology. I should have listened to the subtle hints you were dropping months ago.
Elena: Mrs. Gable, I want you to arrange a full staff meeting in the dining hall in twenty minutes.
Mrs. Gable: Of course, Miss Elena. Right away.
Julian: Tell everyone that starting today, every single employee on the estate is receiving a twenty percent salary increase and an extra week of paid vacation time.
Mrs. Gable covered her mouth in shock, tears running down her wrinkled cheeks[cite: 1].
Mrs. Gable: Bless you, sir! You have no idea what this means to all of us!
Julian: You supported this estate through a very dark period. It's time this home returned to what my parents built it to be—a place of respect and kindness.