The front glass doors slammed open as Julian stepped into the sunlit marble entryway.
The high ceilings echoed with the sound of a small child crying near the top landing.
Julian looked up and saw Clara holding ten-month-old Noah near the wooden staircase railing.
Evelyn stood directly in front of them, blocking the hallway with her hands on her hips.
She wore an elegant maroon dress, but her expression was cold and full of anger.
Julian: Evelyn, step away from my son right now!
Evelyn: This child does not belong in this house, Julian!
Julian: This is my home, and Noah is Sarah's son!
Evelyn: You have no right to live under this roof any longer!
Julian sprinted up the beige marble stairs, taking two wide steps at a time.
He pushed past Evelyn, pulling little Noah safely out of Clara's trembling hands.
He wrapped his arm around the crying boy, pressing him against his shoulder gently.
Julian: Shh, Daddy is right here, buddy, you are safe.
Evelyn: Do not act like a loving father in front of me.
Julian: What are you even talking about, Evelyn?
Evelyn: I know the truth about Sarah's true intentions before she died.
Julian: Sarah loved us both more than anything in this world.
Evelyn: She was confused by her illness when she signed those estate papers.
Julian: She was completely clear-headed when she worked with her personal attorney.
Evelyn: I brought a court injunction today to revoke your access to this property!
Evelyn pulled a white envelope from her leather purse and held it out aggressively.
Julian glared at her, refusing to let go of his son for even a second.
He could feel little Noah's small chest heaving against his dark grey shirt.
Julian: You are trying to kick a baby out of his own mother's home!
Evelyn: He is an heir to nothing until I approve of his parentage!
Julian: That is absolute nonsense, and you know it!
Evelyn: My lawyers will lock these doors by the end of the day!
Julian guided Clara back toward the hallway, keeping himself positioned between Evelyn and Noah.
He knew he could not lose his cool in front of his child, despite the fury inside.
Evelyn sneered, taking a step closer toward the top landing of the staircase.
Evelyn: Leave the keys on the counter and walk away right now!
Julian: I am not going anywhere, Evelyn.
Evelyn: Then I will have the authorities remove you for trespassing!
Julian took a deep breath, clutching his son tighter while staring into Evelyn's eyes.
He knew the moment had come to reveal what he had picked up earlier that morning.