The Grand Estate on the edge of town always felt cold despite the summer heat.
Julian adjusted his silk tie as he looked up at the towering white columns of his family home.
Tonight was the annual charity gala, a night his family used to display their massive wealth.
His stepmother Evelyn had organized the event down to the very last detail.
She stood near the grand staircase, greeting wealthy guests with a forced, elegant smile.
Julian held his baby daughter Lily close to his chest as he walked into the main hall.
Lily wore a tiny mint-green dress that Julian had chosen specifically for the occasion.
She was only six months old, completely innocent of the tension in the room.
Julian's father had passed away six months ago, leaving behind a massive trust fund and estate.
The legal battles over the inheritance had been tearing the family apart ever since.
Evelyn wanted total control of the estate and hated Julian's share of the will.
She believed Julian had no right to his father's money after living away for so long.
As Julian moved through the crowd, guests whispered about the ongoing legal court case.
He ignored the soft gossip and focused entirely on keeping his little daughter calm.
The room was filled with rich businessmen, city council members, and high-society couples.
An enormous American flag hung proudly from the second-floor balcony above the main hall.
Evelyn spotted Julian from across the marble floor and narrowed her eyes sharply.
She smoothed down her expensive maroon dress and adjusted her gleaming pearl necklace.
Her steps were slow and calculated as she marched directly toward her stepson.
Evelyn: You actually had the nerve to show up tonight, Julian.
Julian: My father built this house, Evelyn, so I have every right to be here.
Evelyn: You brought a noisy baby to a black-tie event to gain sympathy from the board.
Julian: Lily is family, whether you choose to accept that fact or not.
Evelyn sneered and reached out her hand toward the sleeping child.
Evelyn: Let me hold my granddaughter for the photos, Julian.
Julian: Do not touch her, Evelyn.
Evelyn: Hand her over right now or I will have security remove you from this house.
Julian backed away slightly, feeling a deep wave of unease wash over him.
He could see the cold determination burning behind Evelyn's dark eyes.
She stepped closer, blocking his path toward the double front doors.
The tension between them attracted the attention of nearby wealthy guests.
Julian knew he needed to keep his composure for the sake of his child.
He took a deep breath and looked for a quick exit from the crowded room.