The heavy slap never landed. Just as Victoria’s hand swung down toward Sarah’s face, a tall figure moved with blinding speed through the crowd. A large, strong hand reached out and grabbed Victoria’s wrist mid-air, locking it in place with incredible force. The sudden impact made a sharp metallic sound ring through the silent room as Victoria’s golden bracelets clashed together. Victoria gasped in sudden pain and tried to pull her arm back, but the grip on her wrist was like solid iron. Sarah opened her eyes slowly and looked up from the floor, her heart pounding inside her chest like a drum.
Standing right beside her was Julian Vance, a legendary billionaire CEO and owner of the grandest real estate estate in the city. He was a broad-shouldered man in a custom black tuxedo, with sharp gray eyes and a severe jawline. Julian was known across the country as a stern and cold businessman who never lost his temper, but right now his eyes were filled with pure rage. He glared down at Victoria, his knuckles white as he held her arm firmly away from Sarah and the child. Victoria’s face paled as she recognized the most powerful man in the room, her loud confidence instantly evaporating into panic.
Victoria: Mr. Vance! What are you doing? Release my arm at once! This lazy maid interrupted my entire gala!
Julian: Shut your mouth right now, Victoria. Do not say another word.
Victoria: She is just a servant who disrespects her contract! I have every right to discipline my staff!
Julian: Stop! She is his real mother!
A collective gasp echoed across the vast ballroom as Julian’s deep, commanding voice bounced off the high marble walls. Guests stepped back in utter disbelief, murmuring to one another and covering their mouths with their hands. Victoria stood frozen in total shock, her jaw dropping open as her eyes went wide with deep horror. She stared at Julian, then looked down at Sarah, who was sitting on the floor with tear-stained cheeks, cradling little Leo in her arms. Victoria’s knees began to shake violently, and she stumbled backward, her heavy velvet gown catching on her heels as she nearly fell onto the hard marble floor.
Victoria: What... what did you just say? That is impossible! She is nobody! She is just a homeless maid we hired three months ago!
Julian: You know exactly who she is, Victoria. And you know what you stole from her five years ago.
Julian slowly released Victoria’s wrist, letting her hand drop like dead weight. He turned away from the terrified woman and immediately dropped down to his knees beside Sarah and the little boy on the floor. The cold and distant billionaire looked completely different now; his eyes were soft and full of endless sorrow as he looked at Sarah’s face. He reached out a trembling hand and gently touched Sarah’s shoulder, his fingers brushing against the rough fabric of her blue maid uniform.
Julian: Sarah... I finally found you. I have searched every corner of this country for you and our son.
Sarah: Julian? Is it really you? I thought... I thought you forgot about us after the crash.
Julian: I never forgot you for a single second. They told me you were gone. They lied to me about everything.
Leo looked up from Sarah’s lap, his small hand reaching out to touch Julian’s sleeve. Julian looked down at the boy, a tear slipping down his own cheek as he pulled both Sarah and Leo into a tight, warm hug right in front of the entire stunned crowd. The wealthy guests watched in silence, completely unable to process how a humble maid was connected to the richest billionaire in the state. Victoria backed away slowly into the crowd, her face completely pale as she realized her life of luxury was about to crumble to pieces.
Julian: Get up, Sarah. You are never going to wear this uniform again. You are coming home where you belong.
Sarah: What about Victoria? She took my papers, Julian. She took my whole life away from me.
Julian: My divorce lawyer and legal team are already on their way. She will pay for every single tear you shed.