Evelyn pulled a thick white envelope from her purse and held it out clearly.
The lawyers standing near the front row leaned in closer to read the formal red stamp.
Julian kept his focus sharp as he shifted Leo to his left arm carefully.
Julian: That envelope has no power inside this house or anywhere else.
Evelyn: This document gives me full authority over the estate starting right now!
Mark: Let me look at those papers immediately, Evelyn.
Evelyn: Stay where you are, Mark!
Evelyn waved her hand to signal her private lawyer who stepped out from the shadows.
The lawyer carried a leather briefcase and stood rigidly beside the dark maroon dress.
Guests moved back slightly to give the escalating argument plenty of open space today.
Julian felt his pulse quicken as he looked into Evelyn's cold calculated expression.
She had planned this public surprise to force him into making a foolish mistake.
Julian: My wife never signed any paper that gave you authority over our child.
Evelyn: She knew you were weak and unable to run a real estate corporation!
Julian: Do not speak for my wife when you ignored her for three years!
Evelyn: I was building my own life while you spent her family fortune!
The crowd began to murmur loudly as tense drama filled the bright sunlit hall.
Julian knew he had paid every single bill and managed the company with full care.
He had saved the estate from debt right after his late wife had fallen ill.
Julian: I saved this business from bankruptcy while you were away spending trust money!
Evelyn: You are a liar who lies to keep his unearned lifestyle alive!
Evelyn turned quickly and grabbed the heavy glass crest off the polished marble pedestal.
The heavy crystal shimmered brightly under the large crystal chandeliers hanging from above.
Guests let out sharp gasps as she held the delicate piece above her own head.
Mark: Evelyn put that glass down right now before it breaks!
Evelyn: This crest means nothing if a weak man controls the Sterling name!
Julian stepped between Evelyn and the guests to make sure everyone stayed safe.
His main concern was keeping little Leo away from any sudden danger or fear.
Julian: You have completely lost your mind over this inheritance money, Evelyn.
Evelyn: I am fighting for what was stolen from my family line years ago!
Julian: Nothing was stolen and you know the truth better than anyone else!
Evelyn's face twisted with rage as she stared at Julian's firm protective posture.
She realized that her verbal attacks were not breaking his cool emotional defense.
She needed a dramatic event that would shock the board into removing Julian today.
Evelyn: If I cannot have this legacy then nobody will keep it!
Julian reached out his free hand as he saw her knuckles turn pale white.
The room went completely quiet as every guest waited for her next dangerous move.