From across the ballroom, an elderly man saw everything clearly.
Arthur had been watching his granddaughter from near the grand entrance.
His face turned red with deep anger at the sight.
He dropped his glass of water right onto a tray.
Arthur walked fast across the floor with heavy strong footsteps.
He did not care about the high society rules today.
He knelt down quickly on the shiny marble floor right away.
Arthur wrapped his long suit arms around the trembling girl.
Grandpa Arthur: I am right here, my sweet little angel girl.
Lily: Grandpa, she threw my peach rose into the dirt!
Grandpa Arthur: I saw what she did, my brave darling girl.
Lily: She said nobody loves me or my small flower!
Grandpa Arthur: She is wrong, because I love you with all my heart.
Arthur held her tightly against his warm wool suit jacket.
He stood up slowly, lifting the child safely into his arms.
His gray eyes burned with a dark anger toward Vanessa.
The guests stepped back to let the old man pass.
Vanessa noticed Arthur approaching and put on a fake smile.
Vanessa: Arthur, you should teach your granddaughter some proper manners.
Grandpa Arthur: Do not speak her name with your wicked tongue!
Vanessa: Excuse me, how dare you raise your voice at me!
Grandpa Arthur: You treated a helpless child like trash in public.
Vanessa crossed her arms and laughed in a loud snobby voice.
Vanessa: She is just a needy brat looking for attention!
Arthur stepped closer, his chest rising and falling fast now.
The crowd gasped at the fierce look on his face.
Arthur held Lily tightly so she felt safe from harm.
He knew he had to protect his family line today.
His son David was finally running over through the crowd.
David looked nervous and swept his hair back with hand.
He wore an expensive tux bought with his father's money.
David: Dad, what is going on over here right now?
Grandpa Arthur: Ask your heartless wife what she just did, David!