Chapter 8 - The Aftermath
The legal fall of Sterling was swift and absolute. But Adrian didn't stop at firing a corrupt manager. He initiated a complete audit of all his household properties, doubled the baseline salaries for all domestic staff, and established a human resources department dedicated to employee welfare rather than corporate intimidation.
Two days later, Adrian returned to Whitmore House in his black Bentley. He summoned all the household staff to the grand ballroom. They stood in clusters, terrified that mass firings were about to take place.
Adrian stood on the dais, scanning the crowd until he found Grace standing nervously in the back row.
"I am well aware of how terribly this estate has been mismanaged," Adrian announced, his voice carrying across the ballroom. "And I know many of you suffered under a regime of fear."
He motioned to his new chief of staff, who stepped forward with a folder.
May you like
"Effective immediately, all wages are increased by forty percent," Adrian continued. "Furthermore, the position of Estate Manager requires someone with absolute integrity, intelligence, and deep empathy for the people who work here." Adrian paused, locking eyes with Grace. "That person is Grace Miller."
The room erupted into stunned silence, followed by gasps of disbelief. Grace's jaw dropped open in absolute shock.
