Chapter 7: A New Beginning
With Victoria’s departure, a spirit of renewal swept through the mansion. Ethan immediately initiated changes across the property. The cold, rigid rules that once prohibited the staff from using main staircases or enjoying the gardens were abolished.
On a warm Saturday morning, Ethan gathered all seven members of the household staff in the bright dining hall. A long oak table was set not with formal silver, but with fresh breakfast, coffee, and fruit.
""Please, sit down, everyone,"" Ethan said warmly as he entered the room.
The staff exchanged surprised glances. For years, they were only permitted in the dining room to serve or clean while standing in silence.
""Mr. Ethan, is everything alright?"" asked Thomas, the elder butler who had served the family for over twenty years.
""Everything is better than alright, Thomas,"" Ethan smiled, pulling out a chair for the old man. ""I called you all here to announce restructuring plans for the estate.""
Ethan handed each worker a newly printed folder. ""First, everyone's wages are being increased by thirty percent, backdated to the beginning of the year. Second, medical benefits and education funds for your children are now fully backed by the family foundation.""
A stunned silence fell over the room. Sarah looked down at her document, her eyes scanning the written terms. The education fund alone meant Lily would have guaranteed access to good schools and music academies.
""Mr. Ethan,"" Thomas said, his voice cracking with emotion. ""This is... generous beyond anything we could have hoped for.""
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""It is not generosity, Thomas,"" Ethan said earnestly. ""It is fairness. This house was kept standing by your hard work while others took the credit. From today on, this estate will be run on mutual respect. You are the heart of this home.""
Tears and quiet expressions of gratitude filled the room. For the first time in memory, the mansion felt less like an imposing fortress and more like a place where human lives mattered.
