The quiet tension inside the massive white foyer felt heavier than ever before now.
Julian gently helped Clara sit down safely on a soft velvet bench near the wall.
He wrapped his black suit jacket around her shoulders to keep her warm and safe.
Julian: Stay right here while I take care of this situation once and for all.
Clara: Please do not let things get worse Julian.
Julian turned toward the crowd of relatives standing around the polished grand staircase.
Julian: Every single one of you stood here and watched her get mistreated today!
His cousin Richard stepped forward on the stairs with a cold sarcastic smile.
Richard: She is just a hired servant who broke the rules of this house Julian!
Julian: She is my legal wife and the sole mother of my daughter Richard!
A collective gasp rose up from the relatives standing along the wooden railing above.
Eleanor raised her silver cane shaking with pure fury as her face turned red.
Eleanor: You married a servant behind my back without asking my permission first?
Julian: We got married six months ago before I flew overseas for business!
He pulled an official legal document right out of his leather side bag.
He held up the stamped marriage certificate for every family member to see clearly.
Julian: Here is the legal proof of our marriage signed by a judge!
Richard stared down at the paper with wide shocked eyes from the middle stair.
Richard: That means her baby is the direct legal heir to the estate!
Julian: That is exactly what it means Richard!
Clara wiped away her tears as she looked up at Julian with deep gratitude.
Clara: I never wanted their money Julian I only ever wanted our family safety.
Julian: You do not have to apologize for anything to these cruel people Clara!
Eleanor slammed her silver cane hard against the marble floor with great force.
Eleanor: I will disown you from the family trust fund this very minute Julian!
Julian: You do not own the trust fund anymore grandmother!