Chapter 5 - Clean Hands, Clear House
The party was officially over.
Dominic turned his head toward the silent, terrified crowd of Manhattan’s elite. He looked at them with utter contempt.
"The event is concluded," Dominic stated coldly. "Every one of you who stood by and watched a defenseless woman be struck in my home... leave. Now."
The guests didn't ask questions. They rushed toward the exit in a frantic, dignified scramble, abandoning their drinks and coats in their haste to escape Dominic Vance’s wrath. Within five minutes, the massive ballroom was completely empty, save for the servants, security, Margaret, Dominic, and Ella.
Dominic walked over to his mother, taking her small, frail hands in his own. "Are you alright, Mother?"
Margaret patted his hand gently, giving him a soft, reassuring smile. "I am fine, Dominic. But my heart hurts for this young lady."
Margaret turned to look at Ella, who was still standing by the grand table, holding the empty tray, her uniform stained red.
Dominic turned and walked toward Ella.
For the second time in his life, he did something no one in Manhattan had ever seen him do. He lowered his tall frame, reached down, and took the heavy silver tray out of Ella's hands, setting it gently on the table beside them.
He reached into his breast pocket, pulled out a silk pocket square, and offered it to her.
"You kept your spine straight, Miss Marsh," Dominic said, his voice surprisingly soft. "Even when a glass was thrown in your face."
Ella took the handkerchief, dabbing gently at her cheek. "My grandmother taught me that dignity isn't something people can take from you, Mr. Vance. You can only give it away."
Dominic studied her face—the quiet strength in her eyes, the complete lack of greed or fear. For months, he had been surrounded by people who lied, cheated, and flattered him for his wealth. Yet here stood a maid who had risked everything—her job, her safety—simply to protect an old woman who had been kind to her.
"Who raised you, Ella?" Margaret asked gently, walking over to join them.
"My grandmother, ma'am," Ella answered softly, a hint of sadness touching her voice. "She passed away last winter. She was a seamstress. She taught me to work hard and never let money change who I am."
Dominic looked at Viktor, who was standing near the door.
"Viktor," Dominic ordered. "Clear out the guest suite on the second floor. Miss Marsh will no longer be living in the servants' quarters."
Ella’s eyes went wide. "Mr. Vance, no, please... I am just a maid. I don't belong in the guest suite."
"You are no longer a maid in this house, Ella," Dominic said firmly, his gray eyes locking onto hers with absolute authority. "Effective immediately, you are appointed as my mother's personal companion and manager of the estate's domestic staff. Your salary will be quadrupled."
Ella gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Quadrupled? Sir, I... I don't know what to say. The hospital bills for my grandmother..."
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"Will be paid in full by my personal foundation by tomorrow morning," Dominic interrupted smoothly. "Consider it a long-overdue reward for saving this family from a snake."
Margaret smiled brightly, wrapping her arms around Ella in a warm, motherly hug. "Welcome to the family, my dear."
