Julian stood frozen near the wide double doors of the ballroom.
He wore his sharp dark blue suit, looking every bit the wealthy executive.
His heart stopped when he saw Victoria standing over Elena.
Julian had spent six months thinking Victoria was a kind woman.
She had visited children's charities and spoken gently to everyone.
Now the ugly mask had fallen off right before his eyes.
He saw his little nephew weeping on the cold marble floor.
He saw Elena using her own body as a human shield.
The quiet room suddenly felt like a pressure cooker ready to burst.
A deep rage boiled up inside Julian's chest.
He moved forward with long, fast strides across the open hall.
Victoria raised her hand again to strike the defenseless maid.
Julian reached them in three quick seconds and grabbed Victoria's wrist.
He squeezed her hand until she dropped the leather strap instantly.
Victoria gasped in surprise and turned around with wide eyes.
"Julian darling!" Victoria stammered, trying to fix her posture.
"This clumsy maid ruined my green dress on purpose!"
Julian did not say a single word for five long seconds.
His jaw was clenched tight, and his eyes burned with anger.
He pulled Elena up gently by her elbow with his free hand.
"Are you alright, Elena?" Julian asked in a soft, worried voice.
"I am fine, Mr. Vance," Elena murmured, wiping her face.
"Please make sure Leo is safe, that is all I care about."
Julian picked up his small nephew and handed him to a guard.
Then he turned all his attention back to his wealthy fiancée.
Victoria adjusted her expensive gown and tried to look confident again.
"She is just a maid, Julian," Victoria said, waving her hand dismissively.
"You should fire her right now for causing a scene."
Julian stepped directly into Victoria's personal space with cold rage.
"You will never tell me what to do again," he whispered harshly.
The guests around them whispered in utter shock at his tone.
Victoria's mother rushed over from the bar area with anger on her face.
"What is the meaning of this behavior, Julian?" Mrs. Sterling demanded.
"Our families are combining their trust funds tonight!"
Julian turned his eyes toward the angry mother and smiled coldly.
"There will be no wedding and no merger," Julian announced loudly.
Victoria stared at him as if he had lost his mind completely.
"You cannot cancel our engagement over a servant!" she screamed wildly.
Julian stepped forward and pointed his finger straight at her face.
"Touch her again and I will ruin your entire family!"