Chapter 7 - A New Foundation
For a long moment, the study was dead silent. Claire couldn't form words. Her chest felt as though a fifty-pound weight had been lifted off it for the first time in three years. She looked at Damian, then down at Lily, who was busy examining the brass tassels on her chair.
"I... I don't know how to thank you," Claire choked out, a fresh wave of tears—this time of pure, unadulterated relief—spilling over her cheeks. "I have no way to repay this kind of generosity."
"You don't need to repay me financially," Damian said, leaning back in his leather chair. He gestured toward the woman standing beside him. "This is Dr. Sarah Evelyn. She is an early childhood development specialist and a consultant for the Russo Foundation."
Dr. Evelyn smiled warmly at Claire and Lily.
Damian continued, his voice steady and pragmatic. "An estate is no place for a three-year-old child to grow up isolated among adults. Furthermore, your capabilities extend far beyond estate housekeeping, Claire. According to your personnel file from before your husband's business collapsed, you hold a master's degree in corporate finance and archival management."
Claire flushed, startled. "I... yes. I worked as an assistant controller before everything happened."
"Effective immediately," Damian said, "your position at the estate is terminated."
Claire’s heart stopped. She went ice cold. She looked up, terror clutching her throat again. "Terminated?"
"As a maid," Damian clarified smoothly, a faint, almost imperceptible smirk touching the corner of his lips. "You are hereby appointed as the senior financial archivist and asset coordinator for the Russo Family Office, with an office on the second floor, a full corporate salary, health benefits, and a housing stipend that allows you to relocate to a proper home in the city whenever you are ready."
Claire stared at him, completely paralyzed. "Mr. Russo... I... I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything," Damian said, standing up to signal the end of the meeting. "And as for Lily..." He walked around the desk, stopping in front of the little girl. He crouched down so he was at eye level with her.
Lily looked at him, blinking her big brown eyes, completely unfazed by his imposing presence.
Damian reached into his coat pocket and pulled out something wrapped in velvet. He placed it in Lily’s small palm. She unwrapped it slowly. Inside was a small, high-end toy sewing kit made of polished wood, complete with blunt plastic needles, colorful threads, and a small plush bear waiting to be repaired.
"Next time," Damian said quietly, a soft warmth entering his usually icy tone, "use this instead of my shirts."
May you like
Lily looked down at the gift, then up at Damian, and for the first time, a bright, gap-toothed smile broke across her face. She threw her little arms around Damian’s neck, hugging him tightly.
Damian froze in sheer astonishment, unaccustomed to hugs from anyone, let alone a toddler. Slowly, awkwardly, he raised his large hand and patted her small back.
