The grand ballroom sparkled under dozens of massive crystal chandeliers that hung high above the polished floor.
Hundreds of wealthy guests walked around in expensive clothes while holding glasses of fine champagne.
Richard adjusted his gold tuxedo jacket and looked down at his young seven-year-old son, Timmy.
Timmy wore a neat little suit, but his small body was shaking with intense fear.
A huge glass ice sculpture had just fallen to the shiny floor, crashing into thousands of sharp pieces.
Richard stepped closer to the terrified boy and leaned down with a very dark look on his angry face.
Richard: Look at what you just did, you clumsy little brat!
Timmy: I didn't mean to, Dad! Please don't be mad!
Richard: You just ruined the most expensive night of my life!
Tears rolled down the boy's red cheeks as he backed away from his strict father.
Timmy: It was an accident, I slipped on the wet floor!
Richard: You are a total disappointment to this family name!
The loud shouting echoed across the huge room, making many guests stop their cheerful conversations.
In the background, Sarah saw her husband yelling at their frightened little boy.
She gasped in pure horror and immediately dropped her glass onto the soft carpet below.
Her burgundy evening gown swished loudly as she began running toward her crying child.
Richard raised his hand in anger, pointing his finger right at the trembling boy's face.
Richard: You do not deserve to stand in this room with us!
Sarah: Stop it right now, Richard! Don't you dare touch him!
Sarah pushed past two wealthy guests and wrapped her strong arms tightly around her small son.
Timmy buried his wet face deep into his mother's dress while crying hysterically.
Sarah: He is just a child, why are you screaming at him like this?
Richard: He destroyed a display that cost more than most people make in a year!
Sarah: It is just glass, Richard, but you are breaking your own son's heart!
Richard looked at his crying family with cold, unfeeling eyes that showed no love at all.
Richard: He is weak, Sarah, and I will not have a weak boy inherit my estate.
Sarah: You care more about your money than your own blood!
Richard: Maybe he isn't even my blood if he acts like a sniveling coward!
The harsh words hurt Sarah deeply, making her gasp in complete shock and disbelief.
She held Timmy closer, feeling his heart pounding fast against her own warm chest.
The guests began to whisper among themselves as the heated argument grew even louder.
Richard did not care about the crowd because his dangerous temper had taken complete control.
He stepped even closer, towering over his wife and child like an angry tyrant.
Richard: Get him out of my sight before I lose my temper completely!
Sarah: We are not going anywhere without an apology from you!
Richard: You will obey me, or you will both be left with nothing!
Sarah looked at her husband and realized that the man she loved was completely gone.