An hour later, Marcus returned to the main hall with Lily in his arms.
The crowd was gathered near the center staircase enjoying high-end wine and music.
Victoria suddenly stepped up onto the lower stair platform and cleared her throat loudly.
Victoria: Everyone, please give me your full attention for just one moment!
The guests went quiet and turned to look up at her standing there.
Victoria: Marcus is unfit to manage the family estate or care for a baby!
Marcus walked briskly toward the stairs with his jaw set in pure anger.
Marcus: Stop talking nonsense and get down from there, Victoria!
Victoria: He is hiding the real life insurance documents from all of us!
She reached into her purse and pulled out an expensive pearl necklace box.
It was the heirloom necklace that belonged to the estate's founding trust fund.
Marcus: That belongs in the bank vault for Lily's future college trust!
Victoria: She does not deserve a single dime from this rich family!
Victoria lunged forward suddenly and reached toward Lily's mint dress in a craze.
Marcus pulled his body back instantly, protecting his daughter with both arms wrapped tight.
Victoria stumbled against the wooden banister and lost her balance for a second.
Her hands grabbed at her own neck as her heavy pearl necklace caught on the wood.
The silk thread snapped violently with a loud popping sound in the room.
Glossy pink pearls spilled across the floor and bounced in every direction imaginable.
A collective gasp rose from the crowd as people stepped back in deep shock.
Victoria dropped down onto her knees on the hard marble floor in total defeat.
Marcus: Don't you ever come near my child again, Victoria!
Victoria: You ruined my life, Marcus, you took everything from me!
Marcus stood tall, holding baby Lily safely away from the scattered glass and pearls.
Marcus: You brought this humiliation entirely upon yourself through your own greed.
Two security guards moved quickly through the crowd and grabbed Victoria by her arms.
Guard: Ma'am, you need to come with us quietly right now.
Victoria: Unhand me! You do not know who I am in this town!
The crowd murmured as the guards led the screaming stepmother toward the exit doors.