The bright light inside the grand estate hit Toby's eyes as soon as he slipped through the side entrance.
He wiped his dirty face with his sleeve and tried to catch his breath.
His shoes were worn out, and his thin shirt had dark marks from his long journey across the city.
Around him, white marble floors stretched all the way to a huge curved staircase.
Glittering chandeliers hung high above, casting a warm glow across the room.
Toby clutched his small right hand into a tight fist against his chest.
Inside his palm rested a cold silver pendant shaped like a open rose.
He saw a tall man standing near the bottom of the stairs wearing an expensive dark blue suit.
Next to the man was a well-dressed young girl holding a small gift box.
Toby took a deep breath and began to run across the smooth marble floor as fast as he could.
His fast footsteps echoed loudly in the huge hallway, making guest heads turn toward him.
The tall man quickly noticed the noise and stepped in front of the young girl.
He put out a stern hand and glared down at the dirt-covered boy.
Alejandro: Stay back!
Alejandro: Do not go near my daughter!
Alejandro: Take this boy outside right now!
Two security guards moved in fast from the main entry doors.
Toby stopped abruptly, holding his hands up high to show he meant no harm.
Toby: Please, do not send me away!
Toby: I only came to find someone!
The tall man looked at Toby with cold anger before his eyes dropped down to the boy's hands.
The silver rose pendant caught the bright chandelier light and glinted sharply.
Alejandro froze completely, his face turning pale within a single second.
Alejandro: That pendant...
Alejandro: Where did you get it?
Toby felt tears start to burn behind his eyes as he held the silver rose higher.
Toby: My mother told me to return it to Alejandro!
Toby: She said he is my real father!
The room went completely quiet as guests stopped talking to stare at the scene.
Alejandro took a sharp breath, his hands shaking slightly at his sides.
Alejandro: Security... call 911 right now!
Toby backed away in fear as Alejandro pointed toward the main door with a stern face.