Julian closed the distance between them before Evelyn could take another step.
His backhand struck her across the cheek with a loud, resounding smack.
The force of the strike turned her head completely to the side.
Evelyn gasped in shock, stumbling back against the bottom of the banister.
Evelyn: How dare you lay a hand on me!
Without missing a single beat, Julian struck her again across the face.
Julian: That is for trying to hurt my child!
The second blow shattered the silk string holding Evelyn's expensive pearl necklace together.
Dozens of pink pearl beads snapped free and bounced across the floor.
The sound of clicking pearls echoed loudly throughout the massive silent hall.
Evelyn fell backward onto the polished marble, landing hard on her hip.
She clutched her bruised cheek in absolute terror, staring up at Julian.
The arrogant smile had completely vanished from her pale, trembling face.
Evelyn: Security! Somebody call the police immediately!
None of the security guards moved a single muscle to help her.
They had all witnessed her horrific action from the balcony above.
The guests watched in utter disgust, whispering openly about Evelyn's cruelty.
Julian stood tall over her, holding his baby close under the giant American flag.
Julian: Don't you ever come near my child again!
Evelyn scrambled backward like a coward, trying to hide behind a pillar.
She looked around the room, desperately seeking support from her wealthy friends.
Every single guest turned their backs on her, disgusted by her actions.
Her influence and standing in high society were destroyed in a single night.
Julian wiped a tear from his eye, his breathing finally beginning to steady.
He looked down at Lily, who had stopped crying and was looking up at him.
He knew that the fight for his father's estate was finally over.
Evelyn's true nature had been exposed to every influential person in the city.