The following day, Raymond waited in his lounge. He was calm, composed, his face betraying none of the anticipation churning within.
Cynthia’s Return
She swept in with arms laden with shopping bags. Jewelry, shoes costing more than an average worker’s yearly salary, silk dresses from Paris. She looked proud, as though parading her worth.
Margaret’s Return
She arrived next, flaunting receipts for gold ornaments, lavish furniture, and expensive gadgets. Her justification was simple: “I’ve suffered too long. This was overdue.”
Angela’s Return
She placed invoices for luxury wines, nightclub bills, and even a down payment on a sports car. Her grin was unapologetic. “It’s about time I had some fun, right?”
Elena’s Return
Last came Elena. She carried no bags, no designer goods. Instead, she held a small envelope. With trembling hands, she placed it before Raymond.
“Sir, I didn’t buy for myself. I went to the orphanage down the road. The children lacked food, books, and blankets. I used the card for them. Here are the receipts.”
Raymond’s mask of composure cracked. For the first time in years, his heart stirred with something genuine: awe.
The three others gaped in silence. Elena had done the unthinkable.
The Verdict
Raymond stood slowly, his voice deep and unwavering.
“I gave you money to test your hearts. Three of you showed me greed. But you—” he turned to Elena, “—you showed me humanity.”
The room fell still. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Cynthia’s painted smile faltered. Margaret’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Angela shifted uncomfortably, biting her lip.
And Elena? She lowered her head, unsure if she had pleased or disappointed him.
What Raymond did next shocked everyone.
The Twist: A Life Changed Forever
Raymond dismissed Cynthia, Margaret, and Angela. To each, he offered polite but final words: their roles in his life had ended.
But Elena he asked to remain.
Kneeling to meet her eyes, he said quietly:
“You gave without thinking of yourself. That tells me everything I need to know. From this day forward, you will never walk with your head lowered again.”
He then revealed his decision: Elena would no longer serve as his maid. Instead, he offered her a position managing a new foundation he planned to launch — one dedicated to funding orphanages and children’s shelters, inspired by her choice.
“You turned money into love,” Raymond declared. “And that is priceless.”
Ripple Effects Across His Empire
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