Chapter 7: The Courage of a Guardian
Later that evening, Julian found Elena in the kitchen preparing tea for Lily. The formal barrier that usually existed between employer and staff felt entirely gone.
""Elena,"" Julian said, standing in the doorway. ""I owe you an apology that words can barely cover.""
Elena paused, setting down the porcelain teapot. ""You don't owe me anything, Mr. Vance. I promised Mrs. Clara before she passed that I would look out for Lily. Claire threatened to fire me every single day if I spoke out of turn. I stayed because leaving Lily alone with her was not an option.""
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""You suffered in silence just to keep my daughter safe,"" Julian said, his voice thick with emotion. ""Starting today, you are not staff in this house. You are family. If you will have it, I want you to stay as Lily’s guardian and the manager of this home, with full authority.""
Elena’s eyes filled with soft tears. She gave a modest nod. ""I only want what is best for the child, sir. She has her mother's brave heart.""
