Julian turned pale as he saw his father standing behind the round dessert table.
The laughter in his voice vanished instantly as he swallowed hard.
Julian: Dad, I did not see you walk in behind us.
Grandpa Arthur: I have been standing here long enough to hear every word.
Arthur bent down slowly despite the stiff pain in his knees and lower back.
He picked up the wrinkled pink paper flower and smoothed its petals with his thumb.
He gathered the crying little girl up into his broad, safe arms.
Lily: Grandpa, Daddy told the lady I am the housekeeper's child.
Grandpa Arthur: Hush now, my darling little girl, grandpa is right here with you.
The surrounding crowd began to whisper as people turned around to watch the scene.
Several business executives lowered their wine glasses and watched Julian's face turn bright red.
Vanessa: Who is this old man meddling in our private conversation?
Julian: Vanessa, shut your mouth right this second!
Vanessa: Do not speak to me like that when I am standing in public!
Grandpa Arthur: This old man owns the company that pays for your dress, young lady.
Vanessa stepped back slightly as she realized who was speaking to her.
She looked back and forth between Julian and the powerful older man holding the child.
Vanessa: Julian, what is he talking about right now?
Julian: Dad, please, let us move to the private hallway to speak.
Grandpa Arthur: You were comfortable lying to everyone in this room a moment ago.
Julian: I was only trying to avoid a long explanation about my past marriage.
Grandpa Arthur: You denied your own child just to look wealthy and free.
Arthur took two firm steps forward, holding Lily close against his dark woolen suit jacket.
His voice echoed off the high ceiling of the grand hotel ballroom.
Grandpa Arthur: Is your position in my business so safe that you can act like a fool?
Julian: Dad, don't make this public in front of my future partners!
Grandpa Arthur: Your future partners need to see what kind of man you really are.
Julian reached out his hand to grab his father's arm in desperation.
Arthur raised his wooden cane firmly and blocked Julian's arm away from him.
The sound of the wooden cane striking the floor sounded like a thunderclap in the quiet room.