The upper balcony looked over the entire grand hall of the sunlit estate below.
Light poured through the massive glass windows, illuminating the pristine white marble floor.
Victoria stopped near the stone railing near the giant American flag hanging on the wall.
Julian caught up to her, breathing heavily while keeping Clara shielded from view.
Julian: Hand over those papers right now, Victoria, or I will call the police!
Victoria: The police cannot help you with a legal dispute over trust management.
Julian: You stole private health papers from my bedroom office this morning!
Victoria: I am taking control of this family starting today, whether you like it or not.
She suddenly reached out her hand toward the light green blanket wrapping the baby.
Julian gasped and quickly pulled back, but Victoria grabbed the loose edge of the cloth.
Julian: Get your hands off my daughter right now!
Victoria: Give her to me so the nanny can take her to the nursery!
Julian: No! She stays with me!
Victoria yanked hard on the blanket, trying to pull the sleeping baby from Julian's arms.
The sudden struggle startled little Clara, and she began to cry out very loudly.
Julian held on with all his strength and pushed Victoria's hand firmly away from Clara.
During the quick scuffle, Victoria lost her balance slightly near the top step edge.
She accidentally dropped the silver folder, sending papers flying into the air above them.
The bright white sheets of paper scattered all over the steps and balcony floor.
Victoria's face twisted into an expression of absolute rage as she looked at Julian.
Victoria: Look at what you made me do in front of everyone!
Julian: You caused this yourself by trying to grab my child near the staircase!
Victoria: You are an aggressive and dangerous father, Julian!
Julian: Everyone down there saw you grab at my baby first!
Victoria: They saw a loving stepmother trying to help a stressed and violent man!
Julian looked down into the grand hall where dozens of guests were watching in shock.
They heard the baby crying hysterically and saw the papers floating down from above.
Julian held Clara close to his shoulder, gently patting her small back to soothe her.
Julian: You are insane if you think anyone believes your lies, Victoria.
Victoria: Money buys belief, Julian, and I have all the money now.
Julian: My father left the estate to Clara, not to a greedy stranger like you.
Victoria: Your father is dead, and I am the one wearing the family jewels!
She raised her hand toward Julian in a threat, her eyes flashing with pure anger.
Julian stood his ground firmly on the balcony, refusing to back down an inch.
He looked her dead in the eye with absolute rage and protective fatherly love.
Julian: If you ever touch my daughter again, you will go straight to prison.
Victoria: We shall see who goes to prison after my lawyers finish with you!
She spun around dramatically, her maroon dress rustling against the cold stone railing.
She began marching down the grand staircase toward the gathering crowd of guests below.