The tension in the bright marble bathroom was thick enough to choke on. Julian stood up slowly, keeping his body positioned between Victoria and the two helpless souls on the floor. He could hear the faint sound of music playing out on the front lawn where hundreds of wealthy guests were gathering for the wedding. His father, Richard, was down there drinking champagne and bragging about his new bride. Richard had no idea that the woman he was about to marry was a cruel abuser who had just tortured his youngest daughter for no reason at all.
Julian: What did you just do to my sister?
Victoria: It was an accident, Julian! She grabbed my hand while I was lighting a candle!
Clara: She held the child down! I saw it with my own eyes!
Victoria: Shut up, you old servant! You will be fired before the sun sets today!
Julian: You will not fire anyone in this house ever again.
Victoria took a step back, her high heels clicking loudly against the marble tile. Her perfect facade was completely falling apart. For months, she had played the role of a sweet, caring woman who wanted nothing more than to bring warmth back into their motherless home. She had spent Richard's money on expensive clothes, luxury trips, and grand parties. But Julian had always noticed how she looked at Lily when Richard was not in the room. Victoria saw the little girl as an annoying distraction, a permanent reminder of Richard's late wife whom he had loved deeply.
Julian bent down and helped Clara lift Lily off the cold floor. The little girl wrapped her small arms tightly around Julian's neck, her quiet sobs dampening his black suit jacket. Clara stood beside them, her knuckles white as she wiped away her own tears. The elderly woman had worked for the family for over twenty years, serving with complete loyalty and quiet dignity. Seeing her treated like dirt by a gold-digger made Julian's stomach turn with deep disgust.
Julian: Clara, take Lily down to the kitchen and put ice on her arm right now.
Clara: Yes, Master Julian. Please be careful with her.
Victoria: Nobody is leaving this room until we clear this up!
Julian: Get out of their way before I throw you out myself.
Victoria gasped loudly, pulling her silk robe closer as Clara guided the weeping girl past her into the hallway. Victoria tried to reach out and grab Lily's arm again, but Julian stepped forward aggressively, blocking her path with his tall frame. The anger radiating from him was palpable, causing Victoria to jump back toward the double vanity sinks. She glared at Julian with pure hatred, dropping her soft, sweet voice completely and exposing the vicious tone beneath it.
Victoria: You think your father will believe you over me? He loves me!
Julian: My father loves his children. You are just a temporary mistake.
Victoria: I am about to own half of this estate! I am his wife!
Julian: The ceremony has not happened yet, Victoria. And it never will.
Victoria threw her head back and let out a dry, nasty laugh that echoed off the high marble walls. She picked up a hairbrush from the counter and started brushing her long hair as if nothing had happened. She thought she had total control over Richard. She knew that Richard was desperately lonely and eager to settle down after years of being alone. She believed her looks and charm could excuse any small mistake, even hurting a defenseless child in their own home.
Victoria: Go ahead and tell him then. I will tell him Lily threw a vase at me.
Julian: You really think you are that smart, don't you?
Victoria: I know how to handle weak men like your father. Now get out of my room.
Julian did not say another word. He looked down at the red lighter lying near the base of the glass shower wall. He leaned over, pulled a linen hand towel from the rack, and carefully picked up the lighter without touching it directly with his fingers. He wrapped it neatly and placed it deep into his inner coat pocket. Victoria watched him with a slight frown, but she dismissed it as a useless dramatic gesture. She had no idea that Julian was far more dangerous than she thought.