Julian could not believe the words coming out of Clara's mouth.
He stared at the woman he was supposed to marry tonight.
Julian: You traded your own child's safety for a trust fund.
Clara: Marcus promised he would keep him safe in the private room!
Marcus: Shut up, Clara!
Marcus: Stop talking before you ruin the entire plan for good!
Julian dialed emergency services while keeping his eyes on Marcus completely.
Julian: Yes, I need police officers at the Grand Horizon Hotel.
Julian: We have a case of child endangerment and illegal confinement.
Marcus turned around and walked briskly toward the hotel rear exit.
Marcus: I am not taking the fall for your crazy ideas, Clara.
Clara: Marcus, wait! You can't just leave me here like this!
Marcus hurried down the stairs without looking back at her once.
Clara sank onto the marble floor in her grand blue dress.
She put her face in her hands and sobbed uncontrollably now.
Julian: Where has this child been living all these months, Clara?
Clara: He was living with a nanny in the private north wing.
Clara: But tonight my family showed up early to the party venue.
Clara: Marcus panicked and shoved him into the maintenance utility access space.
Julian checked the boy for any physical signs of injury carefully.
The child was dusty and tired, but otherwise physically unharmed overall.
Julian: What is your name, little buddy?
Child's Voice: My name is Leo...
Julian: Well, Leo, you are very brave for calling out to me.
Leo wrapped his arms tighter around Julian's broad tuxedo shoulders.
Leo: Are you my new daddy now?
Julian felt a tear slip down his own warm cheek softly.
Julian: I am going to make sure you are safe forever, Leo.
The heavy doors to the main ballroom suddenly swung wide open.
Clara's wealthy father, Arthur Vance, stepped out into the hallway.
He looked at Clara crying on the floor with deep confusion.
Arthur: What is all this commotion out here during dinner?
Arthur: Julian, why are you holding a child in your arms?
Julian walked straight over to Arthur with a cold expression.
Julian: Arthur, meet your grandson, Leo.
Arthur: What nonsense are you talking about right now, Julian?
Julian: Clara has been hiding him from you to get your money.
Arthur turned his stern gaze directly toward his weeping daughter.
Arthur: Clara, tell me this man is lying to me!
Clara could not look her powerful father in the eyes.
Clara: Dad... I was afraid you would disown me completely...
Arthur gasped and gripped his cane with both of his hands.
Arthur: You hid my own grandson in a wall panel?