Rapid heavy footsteps echoed across the stone patio from the house doors.
Julian stepped into the sunlight wearing a tailored charcoal grey suit.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw his young son kneeling on the ground.
Julian rushed forward quickly and grabbed Leo gently by the upper arms.
He lifted the boy back up onto his feet away from the sharp broken pieces.
Julian: Leo, what happened to you?
Leo: Dad, they ruined everything on purpose.
Julian looked down at his son's tear-filled eyes with deep affection.
He noticed the purple stains on the boy's shirt and the broken dish nearby.
A sudden wave of intense fury passed across Julian's strong jawline.
His expression hardened into a dark look that made nearby guests back away.
Julian pulled his pocket handkerchief out and gently wiped the boy's cheek.
Julian: Who did this to your food, son?
Leo: She kicked the plate out of my hands while I was walking.
Leo pointed his small hand directly toward Evelyn, who stood unbothered.
Victoria adjusted her silver gown and stepped forward with a careless wave of her hand.
Victoria: He deserved a lesson about carrying food around expensive clothing.
Julian: He is ten years old, Victoria!
Evelyn: The boy lacks basic manners for a formal event on this estate.
Julian: You humiliated a child because you think you own this ground.
Evelyn: We own the family business that paid for everything you see here.
Julian stood up straight and squared his broad shoulders against the family.
Two large security guards stepped out from the main hall doors behind him.
They waited silently for Julian's order while watching the gathering closely.
Julian looked across the long patio at the massive buffet setup.
A long banquet table stood loaded with expensive seafood and custom tiered cakes.
It was prepared for the grand announcement of the new company trust agreement.
Julian walked slowly toward the head of the long dining table.
The heavy silence grew thicker as every guest watched his sharp movements.
Evelyn raised her eyebrows in disgust as Julian approached the setup.
Evelyn: Do not act like a fool in front of our legal counsel, Julian.
Julian: You care more about this food than my son's feelings.
Julian placed his heavy shoe against the sturdy wooden leg of the table.
With one powerful push, he flipped the entire banquet table over onto its side.
Massive silver platters, wine glasses, and tiered cakes crashed onto the stone floor.