The outdoor patio was decorated with string lights and fancy catering tables stacked with high-end food.
A giant American flag hung on the white brick wall near the outdoor kitchen counter.
Vanessa raised her voice so the nearby guests could hear her clearly over the classical background music.
Vanessa: If she wants dinner, she can wait on the ground like the dogs do!
A few guests laughed awkwardly, while others turned their heads away to avoid making eye contact.
Eleanor kept her head lowered, tears streaming down her wrinkled, weathered cheeks in quiet shame.
Mark did not hesitate for another second as he broke into a rapid, heavy stride across the stone pavers.
His shoes clacked loudly against the patio stones, drawing the attention of several startled partygoers.
Vanessa turned her head just in time to see Mark charging straight toward her with bared teeth.
Before she could speak, Mark reached down with explosive speed and unhooked the metal chain.
He tossed the heavy links onto the ground, where they rattled loudly against the stone floor.
Mark: Get your hands off my mother right now!
Mark immediately dropped to both knees on the hard patio to support Eleanor's fragile shoulders.
Little Lily came running out from behind a flower planter, her eyes red and swollen from crying.
Lily: Daddy, they have been starving Grandma for five whole days!
The words hit Mark like a physical blow to his chest, causing his jaw to tighten in utter disbelief.
Mark: Five days? Lily, sweetie, is that the truth?
Lily: Yes, Daddy! Vanessa locked the pantry and would not let her have any real meals!
Eleanor leaned weakly against Mark's arm, her body thin and frail under her worn cardigan.
Mark looked up at Vanessa, his eyes dark with an anger that shook his entire body.
Vanessa merely adjusted her gold dress and rolled her eyes as if Mark was overreacting.
A man in a navy blue suit stepped forward from the crowd, pointing a finger at Mark aggressively.
Guest: She is an old woman who needs discipline, so she gets whatever is left over!
That arrogant statement smashed whatever tiny bit of control Mark had left inside him.