David looked down at his young son with intense concern in his eyes.
He immediately lifted Leo off the ground and pulled him into a tight embrace.
Leo buried his face into David's dark blue suit jacket.
Leo: Daddy, they ruined everything.
David felt a cold rush of anger rising deep inside his chest.
He smoothed down his son's messy hair and held him tight.
David: It is okay, buddy. Daddy is right here with you.
David turned around slowly to face the rest of the gathering.
His jaw was clenched tight as his gaze swept across the crowd.
Victoria took a slow sip from her glass and stepped closer to Evelyn.
Victoria: He deserved worse than that for running around like an animal.
David stared at his wife with complete disbelief in his eyes.
He had spent months trying to bring his blended family together in peace.
Now he realized how deep their hatred for his son truly went.
David walked over to the edge of the patio where a bodyguard stood silently.
He placed Leo safely in the bodyguard's care away from the crowd.
David: Keep him inside the house until I come get him.
The guard nodded respectfully and led the quiet child indoors.
David turned back toward the long banquet table setup on the lawn.
The table was loaded with expensive dishes, fruit platters, and three-tiered cakes.
David walked straight toward the display with swift, heavy steps.
The entire patio grew quiet as guests noticed the fury on his face.
Evelyn raised her chin high, expecting David to yield like he always did.
Instead, David placed his hands under the heavy wooden banquet table.