An hour passed as the guests gathered around the large catering tables in the hall.
Julian stayed near the back of the grand room to keep Clara away from noise.
His old family nanny, Mrs. Gable, came over with a fresh bottle of warm milk.
Mrs. Gable: Let me hold the sweet baby while you drink some water, Julian.
Julian: Thank you, Mrs. Gable, but I feel safer holding her myself today.
Mrs. Gable: I understand your fear, but you look exhausted and pale, my boy.
Julian: Victoria is planning something evil, and I can feel it in my gut.
Mrs. Gable: She has been searching through your late father's desk all week long.
Julian: Did she find the original copy of the family trust agreement?
Mrs. Gable: I think she found something else that she intends to use against you.
Julian felt a knot form inside his stomach as he watched Victoria near the stairs.
She was whispering quietly into the ear of a tall man wearing a dark gray suit.
The man was Mr. Vance, a ruthless divorce lawyer known for winning dirty court cases.
Victoria smiled wickedly and handed Mr. Vance a stack of white paper documents.
Julian walked slowly toward them, making sure Clara was safe in his strong arms.
Julian: What documents are you showing to my father's former law partner, Victoria?
Victoria: Just medical records from the hospital after Clara was born, my dear.
Julian: You have no right to possess my personal medical or family records!
Victoria: As trustee of this estate, I have a right to protect our investments.
Julian: Clara is not an investment, she is a living human child!
Mr. Vance: Mr. Vance here can assure you that the trust requires a stable custodian.
Julian: I am completely stable, and I care for my child every single day.
Victoria: Your late wife's illness cost this family a massive amount of money.
Julian: How dare you bring up my wife's memory in such a cold way!
The crowd in the hall grew quiet as Julian's voice echoed off the high ceiling.
People were staring at the heated argument taking place near the white grand staircase.
Victoria raised her chin high and looked down at Julian with pure hatred and disdain.
Victoria: You are causing a scene in front of our distinguished community guests, Julian.
Julian: You are trying to ruin my life and take my child for money!
Victoria: I am saving this estate from your bad financial decisions and emotional weakness.
Julian: Every dollar spent was to save my wife's life, and you know it!
Victoria: And yet she is gone, leaving you alone with an immense financial debt.
Julian: The estate trust pays off all medical expenses according to my father's original will.
Victoria: Not if the trustee decides those expenses were unnecessary or excessive, my dear.
Julian stepped closer, his knuckles turning white as he held the soft green baby blanket.
He could see the cold determination inside Victoria's bright dark eyes.
She did not care about the baby's health or happiness at all.
She only cared about gaining total access to the bank accounts and legal property.
Julian: I will sue you in court before I ever let you control Clara's trust.
Victoria: You do not have the legal funds to battle me in court, Julian.
She turned on her high heels and began walking up the white marble staircase slowly.
Julian followed her up the steps, determined to get answers about the missing documents.