Marcus knelt down beside Elena's chair on the floor.
He carefully avoided the piles of white frosting nearby.
He took Elena's cold, trembling hands into his own.
Marcus: You are completely safe now, my sweet sister.
Elena: I was so scared she was going to hurt someone.
Marcus: I will never let anyone hurt you in this house.
Elena let out a long, heavy sob of relief.
Tears streamed freely down her pale cheeks now.
Marcus pulled a clean handkerchief from his suit pocket.
He gently wiped away the tears from her cheeks.
Marcus: The bad dream is over, and she is gone.
Elena: Look at the cake, the party is completely ruined.
Marcus: A cake can easily be replaced by tomorrow morning.
Elena: You worked so hard to set all this up.
Marcus: Your safety and peace matter more than any party.
Elena smiled softly through her fading tears and nodded.
She squeezed Marcus's hand with all her remaining strength.
Two caterers stepped forward to clean up the floor.
They quickly cleared away the broken glass and frosting.
The other guests began to gather around the siblings.
Words of comfort and support filled the bright room.
Marcus helped Elena stand up from her soft chair carefully.
She wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug.
Elena: Thank you for standing up for me today.
Marcus: That is what family is always supposed to do.
The atmosphere in the house shifted back to warm joy.
Music started playing softly from the patio speakers again.
Guests brought fresh drinks and plates of appetizers over.
The memory of Victoria's harsh words began to fade.
Marcus knew their family was stronger than any outside attack.
They had protected what mattered most in their lives.