Margaret: Julian, wait!
Julian paused near the exit doors, turning his head back to look at Margaret one last time. His bruised cheek looked dark under the bright ballroom lights, but his eyes were clear and steady.
Julian: I'm sorry for crashing your evening, Margaret. I'm sorry for grabbing Lily's hand earlier without asking. I was just... overwhelmed seeing her for the first time.
Margaret: You shouldn't have grabbed her like that. You scared her.
Julian: I know. I was wrong, and I accept full responsibility for my actions.
David: Julian... when this trial is over, we'll sit down with our lawyers and figure out a proper visitation schedule for Lily.
Julian froze, his jaw dropping in absolute shock as he looked at David.
Julian: What did you just say?
David: A child deserves to know her biological father if he's willing to fight for her and protect her. You proved tonight that you're willing to do the right thing, despite the cost to your family's name.
Julian: David... I don't even know how to thank you for that.
Margaret: Don't thank him yet, Julian. You have a long road ahead of you in court, and you have to prove to me that you can be a stable, safe presence in her life.
Julian: I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you, Margaret. I promise.
The detectives escorted Julian out through the heavy doors into the cool night air, where flashing red and blue lights illuminated the front entrance of the hotel venue.
Margaret stood in the quiet foyer, holding David's arm while he kept Lily tucked securely in his embrace.
David: Are you okay, honey?
Margaret: I don't know... my head is spinning. I spent four years hating him with every fiber of my being, and now...
David: And now you know he was a victim of Victoria's cruelty just like your father was.
Lily: Mommy, is the mystery man coming to visit us at the lake house?
Margaret looked at her daughter, brushing a stray lock of hair away from the little girl's forehead with a soft, gentle touch.
Margaret: Maybe someday soon, baby. Maybe someday soon.