Julian rushed across the flagstone patio in his tailored charcoal grey suit.
He grabbed Leo by his shoulders and lifted him off the cold ground.
He pulled the little boy close to his chest, ignoring the sticky stains.
Julian: Leo, stop right now, do not put that in your mouth!
Leo: Daddy, they wouldn't let me eat anything today.
Leo: Grandma kicked my plate and told me I was bad.
Julian felt a wave of absolute fury surge through his entire body.
He looked down into his son's wet, dirt-streaked face with heartbreak.
His fists clenched tightly at his sides as he turned toward the crowd.
The ambient garden sounds disappeared under a tense silence across the yard.
Julian glared at his mother and his sister-in-law with dark eyes.
Julian: Did you kick a plate out of my son's hands?
Evelyn: He was being greedy and ruined my flower arrangement display.
Victoria: He deserved nothing less for disobeying your mother, Julian.
Julian: He is four years old and he was hungry in his own home!
Victoria took a slow sip of her champagne and smiled patronizingly.
Victoria: You spoil him because of who his mother was.
Victoria: This estate belongs to the family name, not to that boy.
Julian took a deep breath as his jaw tightened in controlled rage.
He realized then that his family's cruelty had no boundaries or limits.
They had spent months plotting to alter his father's final legal will.
They wanted to secure the main real estate holdings for themselves alone.
They viewed Leo as a rival heir who deserved no affection or respect.
Julian set Leo down gently behind his two tall private security guards.
Julian: Keep my son safe behind me right now.
Guard: Yes sir, we have him fully protected.
Julian turned back to face the long banquet table loaded with food.