Julian stepped forward while his heavy boots echoed loudly across the open marble foyer.
Victoria turned around quickly when she heard the sudden noise behind her.
Her cruel expression instantly turned into a fake look of deep concern.
She dropped her arms to her sides and tried to smile at Julian.
Evelyn leaned against the wall while clutching her wooden walking cane tightly.
Tears rolled down the older woman's wrinkled face as she tried to catch her breath.
Julian ignored Victoria and walked straight toward his crying mother.
Victoria stepped into his path while putting her hands out to stop him.
Victoria: Julian, honey, you are misunderstanding everything you just saw!
Julian: Move out of my way right now, Victoria!
Victoria: Your mother tripped on her cane and I was only trying to help her!
Evelyn: That is not true, Julian.
Victoria: Keep quiet old woman, nobody asked for your opinion!
Julian shoved Victoria's arm aside and knelt down beside his mother.
He put a arm around Evelyn's trembling shoulders to keep her steady.
He checked her hands and arms for any bad bruises or cuts.
The sheer disrespect displayed by Victoria burned deep inside Julian's chest.
He looked up at Victoria with cold eyes that filled her with instant regret.
Victoria backed away slightly while tugging at her green dress nervously.
She realized that her carefully built relationship was starting to break apart.
She had spent months pretending to love Julian just for his family money.
She thought Evelyn would stay silent about the bad treatment out of fear.
Now the truth was out in the open, and there was no turning back.
Julian stood up slowly while keeping himself between Victoria and his mother.
The atmosphere in the sunny room turned icy and tense.
Victoria tried to regain her confidence by crossing her arms over her chest.
Victoria: You cannot speak to me like this after everything I did for you!
Julian: You just humiliated my mother inside our own house!
Victoria: She is an obstacle to our future, Julian!
Julian felt his teeth grind together as he pointed toward the exit.