The morning sun hit the tall glass windows of the grand Dallas mansion.
Julian stood in the center of the huge living room.
He looked at the high ceilings and the expensive paintings on the walls.
His late father had built this massive house over thirty long years.
Everything inside smelled like rich mahogany wood and fresh white lilies.
Julian held his tiny baby brother tightly in his warm arms.
The baby boy was named Leo, and he was only four months old.
Leo was smiling softly while wearing a cute blue velvet onesie.
Julian felt a sudden heavy sadness deep inside his hurting chest.
Their father had passed away suddenly just two short weeks ago.
The entire family was still grieving the terrible loss of the family patriarch.
Julian was twenty-four years old and worked at his father's law firm.
He swore to protect his baby brother no matter what happened next.
Then he heard high heels clicking fast across the hard marble floor.
Victoria walked into the bright living room wearing a long green velvet dress.
She was their young stepmother who had married their father last year.
Victoria looked at the tiny baby with cold and distant blue eyes.
She adjusted her gold bracelet with a sharp and sudden movement.
Victoria: Why are you still holding that child, Julian?
Julian: He is my brother, and he needs comfort today.
Victoria: He has a nanny who gets paid very well for that.
Julian: A nanny cannot replace the love of real family, Victoria.
Victoria sneered softly and turned toward the huge grand staircase.
Victoria: The reading of the will happens this afternoon at two.
Julian: I am fully aware of the legal schedule, Victoria.
Victoria: Make sure that baby is tucked away in the nursery by then.
Julian: Leo has every right to be present in his own home.
Victoria stopped at the bottom step and turned around very slowly.
Her face looked pale and tight under the bright daylight.
Victoria: This home belongs to the legal surviving spouse now.
Julian: My father made his feelings very clear before he passed.
Victoria: Words mean nothing without signed legal documents, dear stepson.
Julian felt a sharp spark of anger flame up in his chest.
He adjusted the baby boy gently against his gray suit jacket.
He knew Victoria was hiding something important about the estate papers.
The family lawyer was arriving soon to read the final legal testament.
Julian turned away and walked toward the sunny backyard patio doors.
He needed fresh air to clear his crowded and anxious thoughts.
The silence in the grand house felt dangerous and heavy now.
He held little Leo closer and whispered a soft reassurance.
Julian: Nobody will ever take your home away from you, little guy.