Chapter 8 - The Departure
Elliot turned back to face the room, keeping Maddie’s hand securely in his.
"The gala is over," Elliot announced to the silent crowd. "Good evening, everyone."
Without looking back at the ruined Whitmore family, Elliot guided Maddie out of the ballroom, down the grand staircase, and out through the main doors where a sleek, black Maybach limousine was waiting at the foot of the driveway.
Harrison opened the rear door, bowing respectfully. "Good evening, Miss Brooks."
Maddie hesitated at the door of the luxury vehicle, looking down at her simple uniform. "Mr. Carter... I can't go with you like this. I'm just an assistant. I have my job here, my life..."
Elliot stopped, turning to face her under the soft glow of the estate's entryway lights.
"Your job at this estate is over, Maddie," Elliot said gently. "You will never have to clean another floor or take insults from people like Brianna Whitmore ever again."
"But my grandmother's medical bills—"
"Have already been paid in full as of twenty minutes ago," Elliot interrupted with a warm smile. "My foundation has secured her the best private care team in Chicago."
Tears spilled over Maddie’s lashes—not tears of sadness, but of overwhelming relief and disbelief. "Why are you doing all of this for me?"
"Because you showed me light when I was looking for truth," Elliot said softly, wiping a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "Come with me. Let me give you the life you truly deserve."
May you like
Maddie looked back one last time at the dark, imposing mansion that had held her captive in servitude for years, then turned back to the man holding her hand with genuine reverence.
She stepped into the car.
