Julian reached the top of the grand staircase holding the newborn baby close.
He stood firmly beside Elena, placing a protective hand on her shoulder.
Victoria paced back and forth near the US flag hanging from the wall.
Victoria: You are throwing away your inheritance for a stranger's daughter, Julian!
Julian: Elena is my wife, and she is no stranger to this family.
Elena: My mother gave her youth to build your family's vast fortune.
Victoria turned sharply on her heel and glared directly at Elena's eyes.
Victoria: Your mother was a simple employee who took advantage of us!
Elena: My mother was your father's legitimate business partner and co-founder!
The heavy words hung in the air like a thundercloud ready to strike.
Victoria's face turned pale as she realized what Elena was implying.
Victoria: You have no proof of any business partnership between them!
Elena broke the red wax seal on the thick envelope in full view.
She pulled out three yellowed parchment pages covered in legal writing.
Elena: Here is his signature notarized by the state supreme court judge.
Julian looked at the documents over his wife's gold shoulder with interest.
Julian: This signature belongs to my grandfather, without any doubt at all.
Victoria: That paper is a fake document crafted to steal our legacy!
Julian looked at his mother with deep disappointment in his blue eyes.
Julian: You knew about this contract the entire time, didn't you, Mother?
Victoria stepped back against the balcony railing, her breathing shallow and fast.
Victoria: I did what was necessary to protect our family's public name!
Elena: You stole my mother's shares and locked her out of everything!
The baby shifted softly in Julian's arms, opening her bright dark eyes.
Julian held the baby tighter as his jaw set in firm resolve.
Julian: You lied to me about our company history for thirty years.
Victoria: I saved this company from bankruptcy while others stood around doing nothing!
Elena: You committed fraud to keep all the wealth for yourself, Victoria.
Victoria raised her hand in anger, stepping aggressive toward Elena once more.
Victoria: Keep your mouth shut before I ruin your life forever!
Julian stepped forward instantly and blocked his mother with his strong arm.
Julian: Do not touch my wife or speak to her like that again!