Lead Officer: Eleanor Vance? You are under arrest for kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, child endangerment, and inheritance fraud.
Eleanor: Get your hands off me! Do you know who I am?! I am the matriarch of this estate!
Lead Officer: You have the right to remain silent, ma'am. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
The officer clicked heavy steel handcuffs behind Eleanor's back, right in front of the giant American flag hanging above the grand fireplace. The high-society guests pulled out their phones, video recording the once-powerful matriarch as she was led away in shame, her silver dress dragging against the marble floor.
Eleanor: Julian! You traitor! You ruined this family name!
Julian: The family name was ruined the day you put price tags on human lives. Good riddance, Eleanor.
As the police vehicles drove away into the bright afternoon sunlight, the mansion fell into a peaceful, quiet calm. Julian turned to Maya, who was sitting on the velvet entryway sofa, gently feeding warm soup to little Lily while Leo rested his head against her shoulder.
Julian: The paramedics checked them over, Maya. They're dehydrated and bruised, but they're going to make a full recovery thanks to you.
Maya: I’m just glad I heard that thumping noise behind the wall... I can't imagine what would have happened if they stayed in there another night.
Julian: I don't want to think about it either. That’s why I have a proposition for you, Maya.
Maya: A proposition, Mr. Vance?
Julian: I’m firing the entire security team and house management today. I need someone I can trust completely to oversee this estate and care for Leo and Lily as their legal guardian support. I’m offering you the position of chief estate manager, with full living quarters and a three-hundred-thousand-dollar annual salary.
Maya’s eyes widened in complete disbelief, looking down at the two children who were looking up at her with big, hopeful eyes.