Ethan took a deep, heavy breath, resting his hands on his knees as the immense weight of the morning lifted off his shoulders.
He turned to Clara, stepping forward to look into her calm, steady eyes.
Ethan: Clara... I don't even know how to begin thanking you.
Clara: You don't need to thank me, Mr. Ethan. Protecting Lily was the only thing that mattered.
Charles: Clara has completed her audit report, Ethan. Every dollar Victoria stole has been traced and frozen by our bank attorneys.
Ethan: So my daughter's trust fund is completely secure?
Charles: Every single penny will be returned to Lily's account by Monday morning.
Ethan: Clara, you spent six months cleaning my floors and enduring Victoria's disrespect while doing this investigation...
Clara: It was worth every moment to make sure Lily was safe from that woman, sir.
Ethan: Starting today, Clara, your role in this family changes.
Clara looked up in surprise, her eyebrows raising slightly.
Clara: Sir?
Ethan: I want you to head our family foundation's financial oversight department. A full executive position with a salary that matches your true qualifications.
Clara: Mr. Ethan... that's too generous! I was just doing my job!
Charles: It is not generous, Clara. It is earned. Someone with your integrity belongs in our executive boardroom, not holding a mop.
Lily: Does that mean Clara stays with us, Daddy?
Ethan: Yes, sweetie. Clara is going to be part of our lives for a very long time.
Lily smiled brightly, throwing her small arms around Clara's waist in a warm, loving hug.
Lily: Yay! Clara is staying!
Clara smiled through fresh tears of joy, wrapping her arms around the young girl and holding her close.