The heavy atmosphere inside the grand foyer grew extremely tense.
Victoria walked back toward the marble center table slowly.
She set the DNA report down next to a silver vase.
Victoria: Even if the child is yours, the trust fund is locked.
Julian: What are you talking about, Mother?
Victoria: The original family will left by your grandfather has conditions.
Clara: You are still trying to find ways to exclude us.
Victoria: I am simply following the strict rules of the estate.
Julian stepped over to the marble center table and picked up the paper.
He turned to the second page of the attached trust documents.
He had spent years studying contract law at the university.
Julian: Grandfather wrote that all biological heirs inherit equally.
Victoria: Only if the marriage was approved by the board.
Julian: That clause was removed ten years ago by the court.
Victoria stared at her son with absolute surprise in her eyes.
She did not realize Julian knew the exact legal history.
Clara: You lied to Julian for years to keep control.
Evelyn: Aunt Victoria told everyone the board kept that rule.
Julian: You lied to Evelyn too so she would do your dirty work.
Evelyn crossed her arms and glared at Victoria with anger.
She realized she had been manipulated into committing a crime.
Evelyn: You promised me a seat on the board for getting this test.
Victoria: Quiet down, Evelyn, you know nothing about strategy.
Clara: Strategy is just another word for your cruel lies.
The baby woke up softly and cooed in Clara's arms.
Clara looked down and smiled softly at her little angel.
The baby was completely safe from the cold world outside.
Julian looked at his daughter and then back at his mother.
Julian: We are taking our family away from this toxic house.
Victoria: If you leave today, you forfeit your monthly allowance.
Julian: Keep your money because I have my own law practice now.
Clara: We never needed your fortune to build a happy life.
Victoria stood alone near the center table looking defeated.
Her lifelong control over the family was slipping away quickly.