Standing near the shadow of the tall arched window on the second floor was a man.
He wore a sharp grey suit, his face twisted into a scowl as he watched below.
It was Julian Vance, Victoria's older brother and the sole executor of the disputed family estate.
When he saw Marcus staring directly at him, Julian turned around quickly to head for exits.
Marcus: Hey! Stop that man at the top of the stairs right now!
Marcus shouted at the top of his lungs, pointing his arm toward the second floor.
Two additional courthouse security officers immediately rushed up the wide marble stairs toward Julian.
Julian tried to push past a group of frightened bystanders, but his path was completely blocked.
The security officers grabbed Julian by his arms, forcing his hands behind his dark suit back.
Julian: Get your filthy hands off me! Do you even know who I am?
Officer Ramirez: You are under arrest for child endangerment and reckless endangerment of a mother.
Julian struggled against the tight handcuffs, but the officers held him firmly in their grasp.
They marched him down the marble stairs, right past Victoria who was still resting on steps.
Victoria looked at her brother with eyes full of utter betrayal and profound emotional heartbreak.
Victoria: How could you leave my newborn baby on a cold floor like garbage, Julian?
Julian: That child takes away everything our father built for this family over forty years!
Julian spat his words with deep venom, showing zero remorse for his dangerous and cruel actions.
Julian: You were supposed to sign the settlement papers today without that child ruining the estate!
Marcus stepped in front of Julian, holding the warm baby safely away from the bitter man.
Marcus: Money means nothing if you lose your humanity to get your hands on it.
Julian glared at Marcus with pure hatred, but the officers dragged him away toward holding cells.
The crowd began to applaud softly, their initial shock turning into collective support and relief.
Paramedics rushed through the front bronze doors, carrying a heavy orange stretcher and medical bags.
They immediately knelt around Victoria, carefully placing a neck brace on her for safe transport.
A female paramedic walked over to Marcus, reaching out her hands to take the tiny baby.
Paramedic: You did an incredible job keeping him warm, sir. I need to check him now.
Marcus felt a strange twinge of sadness as he prepared to hand over the little boy.
In just a few chaotic minutes, he had formed a deep bond with this helpless child.
He carefully placed the newborn into the paramedic's wrapped blanket, making sure he was secure.
Victoria reached out her hand from the stretcher, grabbing Marcus's sleeve with her weak fingers.
Victoria: Please come with us to the hospital... I want you there with my son.
Marcus looked down at her hopeful face and gave her a gentle, reassuring nod of approval.