Julian helped Elena stand up slowly on the slippery marble floor.
The crowd of rich guests stepped back in shock and confusion.
Whispers spread through the room like wildfire on dry grass.
Margarethe walked down the grand winding staircase with her head held high.
"Security, remove this man from my private property immediately!" she ordered loudly.
Two large guards in black suits stepped forward from the doorway.
Julian did not move an inch away from Elena's side.
He reached into his leather coat and pulled out a thick leather folder.
"I suggest you read this before touching anyone," Julian declared firmly.
Margarethe stopped on the bottom step and narrowed her dark eyes.
"What is the meaning of this foolish paper?" she demanded coldness.
"That is the original family inheritance document," Julian stated clearly.
Elena looked at the papers in total shock and confusion.
"My father hired me to protect Elena three years ago," Julian revealed quietly.
"He knew you would try to steal her rightful property when he passed away."
Margarethe's face turned pale as paper under the bright ballroom lights.
"That old document is completely worthless now!" she shrieked in anger.
"It was signed by the main board of directors this morning," Julian countered.
Elena felt a small flicker of hope warm her cold chest for the first time.
"Is this true?" Elena asked as tears continued to fall down her cheeks.
"Your father left the entire estate and trust fund to you alone," Julian explained.
"Margarethe was only appointed as a temporary guardian until your twenty-first birthday."
The guests gasped as the truth echoed through the massive hall.
Margarethe snatched the papers from Julian's hands and tore them into small pieces.
"You have no real proof of anything!" she screamed wildly.
"The court registers already hold the certified legal copies," Julian said coldly.
"You have lost control of this family fortune, Margarethe."
The older woman stepped back into the shadow of the stairs.
She looked around at the judging eyes of her former high-society friends.
"You will regret this day, young man," Margarethe spat through clenched teeth.
"The only person who will regret today is you," Julian replied without fear.
He turned to Elena and offered her his hand in front of everyone.
"Let us get out of this house right now," he said gently.