Richard reached out and quickly grabbed the iron skillet right out of Lily's small hands.
He slammed the heavy pan down onto the center of the formal wooden table.
Hot food and silver cutlery flew across the bright white tablecloth in every direction.
The loud impact echoed sharply off the tall walls of the bright room.
Several guests gasped loudly and stood up from their velvet chairs in absolute shock.
Sarah scooped up young Lily into her arms and pulled her close for safety.
She carried the crying girl toward the quiet living room sofa to check her over.
Richard stood tall between his arrogant mother and his frightened little family.
His jaw was clenched tight as he stared directly into Evelyn's shocked eyes.
Evelyn raised her chin high and accused Richard of ruining a traditional family moment.
She demanded that he apologize immediately in front of all their respected guests.
Richard raised his hand and pointed forcefully toward the large front exit doors.
He ordered every single guest to leave the estate immediately without saying another word.
The visitors quickly gathered their expensive coats and hurried out into the hallway.
Nobody wanted to get caught in the middle of a massive family war.
The heavy front door clicked shut as the last visitor left the house.
Only Evelyn, Richard, Sarah, and little Lily remained in the vast silent room.
Evelyn stomped her foot angrily on the marble floor and barked a command.
She reminded Richard that she controlled the entire family estate and multi-million dollar trust.
Richard walked step by step right up to his cold mother without shrinking back.