The guard trembled, immediately pulling the massive brass keys from his belt and locking the heavy double oak doors with a loud, metallic clack. He tossed the key ring onto the marble floor at Ethan’s feet. Uncle Richard stepped forward, waving his hands nervously as he tried to diffuse the rising tension in the foyer.
Uncle Richard: Ethan, let's be rational about this! Even if the child is yours, this is a family matter! We don't need to lock the doors or make threats!
Ethan: A family matter? You stood right there and watched my grandmother’s guard hit Clara across the face!
Beatrice: She was struggling! She was making a scene in front of the catering staff!
Ethan: Look at her lip, Beatrice! Look at the blood on her face! You call yourself women, yet you sat here sipping champagne while an innocent mother was beaten!
Grandmother: She is a nobody, Ethan! A orphan girl with no family background, no money, and no social standing! She snuck into this house as a maid to trap you!
Ethan: She didn't trap me. I applied for her employment here myself so I could keep her close while I fought you in the probate court!
Grandmother: Probate court? What are you talking about?
Ethan: You thought Father left the entire estate to you, didn't you, Evelyn? You thought the living trust was locked under your name until you die.
Evelyn Vance frowned, her eyes narrowing as she adjusted her posture, resting her heavy weight on her cane.
Grandmother: The trust is mine! Your father signed the executive amendment two days before his heart attack!
Ethan: He signed it because you forged his legal proxy while he was hooked up to a ventilator in the ICU!
Beatrice: Ethan! That is slander against your grandmother!
Ethan: I have the medical records, Beatrice! I have the forensic handwriting report signed by the top three document analysts in New York!
Ethan carefully walked over to a velvet sofa near the American flag, gently laying Clara down on the soft cushions. He took off his custom suit jacket and wrapped it warmly over her shivering shoulders, kissing her forehead gently before turning back to face the greedy family.
Clara: Ethan... please be careful... she has lawyers everywhere...
Ethan: Her lawyers won't save her today, my love. Stay right here with our baby.
Grandmother: Even if you challenge the amendment, the original will states that the inheritance only passes to a married heir who produces a legitimate child before his thirtieth birthday! You turn thirty next month, Ethan, and you are NOT married!
Ethan: Is that what you think?
Ethan reached into his inner shirt pocket and pulled out a small, folded piece of paper with an official state seal stamped at the top. He held it up in the bright light of the crystal chandelier, throwing it directly at his grandmother's feet.
Ethan: Read it, Evelyn. Read it out loud for the rest of your vultures.