“Stand up,” he said. “You did nothing that deserves punishment.”
Paige stared at him, confused and terrified.
“I pretended to be blind to test the hearts of those around me,” Harold explained. “My relatives visit only to count what they might inherit. I believed everyone who came near me wanted something. Tonight I learned I was wrong.”
He opened the jewelry box and lifted the diamond necklace.
“Sir, please,” Paige whispered. “That is too valuable.”
Harold stepped behind her and placed the necklace around her neck once more.
“There is no price for sincerity,” he said. “You wore this necklace not for greed but for a prayer. That makes you worthy of it.”
Paige’s breath trembled. “I cannot accept this.”
“You can,” Harold replied. “Because I am not giving it to a servant. I am giving it to my daughter.”
Paige froze. “Your daughter.”
Harold nodded. “Rose and I always wished for a child. Tonight I saw the kindness we hoped for in a daughter. If you will accept, I wish to adopt you. Not as an employee, but as family.”