The morning sun shone bright over the large marble hall of the grand estate.
Dozens of wealthy guests were walking across the sparkling floor in expensive suits and beautiful dresses.
Julian stood near the wide white columns while holding his infant daughter tightly in his arms.
Little Clara was only three months old and slept peacefully wrapped in a light green blanket.
Julian looked down at her tiny face and felt a deep sense of warmth and pride.
He had lost his beloved wife a few weeks after Clara was born into the world.
Since that painful day, Julian lived only to protect and cherish his sweet little baby girl.
His family owned a large financial trust fund that was worth millions of dollars in total.
The entire estate was supposed to pass down directly to Clara on her eighteenth birthday.
However, Julian's sharp stepmother Victoria had other plans for the vast family fortune.
Victoria walked gracefully across the marble room wearing a striking burgundy maroon dress and double pearl necklace.
She held a legal folder in her hand and smiled coldly at the surrounding guests.
Julian noticed her slow approach and immediately felt his entire body grow completely tense.
Victoria: What a wonderful celebration for our grand family today, Julian.
Julian: Why did you call all these lawyers and guests here today, Victoria?
Victoria: I am simply making sure our family inheritance is handled properly, my dear boy.
Julian: The will clearly states that Clara is the sole heir to everything.
Victoria: A baby cannot manage a multi-million dollar estate or legal trust fund, Julian.
Julian: I am her father, so I am her legal guardian and protector.
Victoria: You are young, grieving, and entirely unstable after your loss.
Julian gripped Clara closer to his chest as his heart began to beat very fast.
He knew Victoria was capable of terrible things when money was on the line.
She had married his late father just two years before he passed away unexpectedly.
Ever since then, she treated the mansion like her own personal palace of wealth.
Several guests turned their heads as Victoria stepped closer to Julian with a firm look.
Victoria: The court paperwork for temporary custody has already been drafted by my lawyers.
Julian: You will never get custody of my baby daughter, Victoria!
Victoria: We shall see about that before this afternoon comes to an end.
She turned around with a swish of her maroon dress and walked toward the stairs.
Julian stood frozen near the marble pillar as a cold chill ran down his spine.
He looked at his baby girl and swore silently that no one would separate them.
The family lawyer, Mr. Davis, stepped up next to Julian with a worried expression.
Mr. Davis: You need to be very careful with her today, Julian.
Julian: Does she actually have any legal standing to push for temporary custody?
Mr. Davis: If she proves you are unfit, the court might grant her control.
Julian: I am not unfit, and I love my daughter more than life itself.
Mr. Davis: I know that, but Victoria has money and powerful political contacts everywhere.
Julian took a deep breath and looked toward the upper floor balcony of the mansion.
He knew a big storm was coming, and he had to stand very strong.