Chapter 17 - A New Name
Life settled into a beautiful, chaotic rhythm. The mansion was no longer a silent, brooding fortress. It was filled with the sounds of Leo learning to walk, crashing into expensive vases, and Maya practicing the piano in the grand foyer.
Julian found himself leaving corporate dinners early to read bedtime stories. He traded his scotch for midnight bottles of warm milk. The ruthless CEO had been entirely domesticated by a little girl and a baby boy.
When Maya turned ten, Julian threw a massive birthday party in the estate gardens. It was a carnival-themed extravaganza with a Ferris wheel, fire jugglers, and a petting zoo.
During the cake cutting, Maya stood on a chair, tapping her glass with a spoon to get everyone's attention.
"I want to make a toast," Maya announced, looking out at the crowd of school friends, corporate executives, and estate staff.
She turned to Julian, who was holding a sticky, frosting-covered Leo in his arms.
"Two years ago, I walked into Vanguard Enterprises asking for a job," Maya said, her voice confident and strong. "I thought I had to fight the whole world by myself. But then I met the scariest man in Chicago."
The crowd chuckled. Julian smiled, kissing the top of Leo’s head.
"He didn't give me a job sweeping floors," Maya continued, tears glistening in her eyes. "He gave me a home. He gave me a family. So, to my dad... thank you for stopping the security guard. I love you."
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Julian handed Leo to Sarah and walked over to Maya, pulling her into a massive hug while the crowd applauded.
"I love you too, Maya Vance," Julian whispered. "More than anything in this world."
