Victoria: Take your hands off me! I demand to speak to my lawyer immediately!
Police Officer: You have the right to remain silent, Miss Sterling. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.
The metal handcuffs clicked loudly around Victoria's wrists behind her back[cite: 1].
She shrieked in anger as the officers escorted her toward the glass entrance doors[cite: 1].
Victoria: You'll regret this, Julian Vance! My father will sue you for everything you're worth!
Julian: Tell your father to prepare for a multi-million-dollar lawsuit from my legal team by noon.
The police officers led Victoria out into the bright daylight, pushing her into the back seat of the cruiser[cite: 1].
The sirens faded into the distance as the car drove down the gates[cite: 1].
Julian let out a long, heavy breath, carrying Toby over to the grand velvet sofa in the living room[cite: 1].
Julian: Sit down with me, Toby. Let's look at those marks on your arm.
Toby: It doesn't hurt as much now, Papa.
Julian: Rosa, please bring the first-aid kit and some ice packs from the kitchen.
Rosa: Right away, Mr. Vance!
Rosa returned a minute later with a medical kit, setting it gently on the glass coffee table[cite: 1].
Julian carefully applied antiseptic cream to the red welts on his son's arms[cite: 1].
Julian: Toby, why didn't you tell me the first time she hit you?
Toby: She said you were very tired from work... and if I bothered you, you would leave us like Mommy did.
Tears welled up in Julian's eyes as he wrapped his arms around his small boy[cite: 1].
Julian: Oh, Toby... I would never leave you. You are my whole world.
Toby: I thought you loved Aunt Victoria more than me.
Julian: I don't love anyone more than you. I was blind, Toby. I thought I was bringing someone into our lives to help raise you, but I brought a monster.
Rosa: He missed you so much while you were on your trip, sir. He cried every night in his room.
Julian looked up at Rosa, his face full of sincere gratitude[cite: 1].
Julian: Rosa, you saved my son today. If you hadn't stepped between her and Toby, she could have hurt him even worse.
Rosa: I couldn't just stand there and watch her beat a little boy, Mr. Vance. I love Toby like he's my own family.
Julian: Starting today, you aren't just household staff anymore, Rosa.
Rosa: Sir?
Julian: I am promoting you to Estate Manager. Your salary will be tripled, and you will oversee all personal household decisions.
Rosa gasped, her hands covering her mouth in shock[cite: 1].
Rosa: Tripled?! Mr. Vance, I... I don't know what to say!
Julian: You showed more loyalty and courage today than anyone in my social circle. You earned it.