An hour later, the sun had fully set beneath the horizon, replaced by the warm, glowing string lights strung across the garden trees.
Maya walked down the patio steps wearing an elegant navy-blue silk gown provided by the estate housekeeper. Her hair was dried and brushed neatly over her shoulders.
Howard was standing near the grand fountain, holding two glasses of sparkling apple cider.
Howard: You look wonderful, Maya. Just like your mother used to at our company galas.
Maya: Thank you, Mr. Vance. I still feel like I'm dreaming. Two hours ago I was scrubbing serving trays in the kitchen prep room.
Howard: You should never have been in that prep room to begin with, Maya. I spoke with our legal team upstairs while you were changing.
Maya: Legal team? About what?
Howard: The executor who stole your father's estate four years ago. We filed formal fraud charges with the state attorney general thirty minutes ago.
Maya's hand flew to her mouth, her eyes filling with fresh tears as she looked at the older man.
Maya: Is... is there a chance we might recover some of my dad's property?
Howard: We are going to recover every single cent, Maya. Including the twenty percent equity stake in Vance Logistics that your father left in his will for you.
Maya: Twenty percent? Mr. Vance, that's worth tens of millions of dollars!
Howard: It is yours. It was always yours. I should have looked deeper into your family's situation years ago, but I let my own business consume my time. I am deeply sorry for that.
Maya: You don't have to apologize. You stood up for me today when no one else would.
Julian walked over from the main table, his tuxedo jacket removed, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He looked exhausted, but his posture was humbled.
Julian: Maya... I want to sincerely apologize for how Chloe spoke to you, and for my own foolishness.
Maya: You don't need to apologize for her actions, Julian.
Julian: I do. I was so blind to who she really was because I was obsessed with putting on a show for society. I let her walk all over people.
Howard: Learning a hard lesson early is better than living a lie for twenty years, son.
Julian: I know, Dad. I'm moving my things back into the guest house tomorrow, and I'm starting at the lower-level warehouse management position you offered me last year.
Howard: That is the smartest decision you've made in five years, Julian. Work hard, learn how the business runs from the bottom, and earn your place.
Julian nodded respectfully, extending his hand to Maya.
Julian: I hope one day I can earn your forgiveness, Maya.
Maya: You already have, Julian. Just focus on becoming the man your father knows you can be.