The grand hall was filled with bright sunlight shining across polished white marble floors.
Dozens of wealthy guests stood in tailored tuxedos and elegant silk dresses near the backdrop.
Julian adjusted his black tie while holding his newborn daughter, Lily, in a teal blanket.
He felt incredibly proud to present his baby girl to the entire estate board today.
This formal ceremony was supposed to seal Lily's share in the family legacy fund.
His late father had left a strict trust fund reserved specifically for the first grandchild.
Julian smiled down at Lily, who cooed softly against his warm wool tuxedo jacket.
Suddenly, his stepmother Victoria stepped toward the center platform wearing a royal blue dress.
Her sharp heels clicked loudly against the marble floor as the choir finished their song.
Victoria was the widow of Julian's father and controlled the temporary family estate funds.
She had spent months trying to convince the lawyers to disinherit Julian's newborn child.
Julian kept a calm face, but his pulse raced as Victoria took the microphone.
She held a heavy crystal memory globe that contained the baby's legal trust document.
The guests applauded softly, believing Victoria was about to present the traditional family blessing.
Julian walked closer to the stage so the board members could take official photos.
Victoria: We are gathered here today to honor our long family tradition of wealth.
She spoke with a smooth tone, but her eyes remained cold and unblinking.
Victoria: However, a trust fund requires real bloodline legitimacy to remain valid forever.
Julian frowned slightly as he noticed the sharp tension in Victoria's pale face.
Julian: Victoria, just present the trust document so we can finish the ceremony.
Victoria ignored his request and lifted the crystal globe high into the bright air.
The heavy crystal sparkled under the large glass chandelier hanging above the marble room.
Victoria: This child does not deserve a single penny from my late husband!
Before anyone could react, Victoria raised her hands high above her dark hair.
She gritted her teeth and deliberately hurled the heavy crystal globe down onto the floor.
The crystal sphere smashed loudly against the hard white marble near Julian's polished shoes.
Sharp glass fragments and official trust papers scattered across the entire white marble stage.
The crowd gasped loudly in sudden shock as Victoria smirked down at the mess.
Julian instantly pulled baby Lily protectively against his chest, shielding her from flying glass.
Julian: What on earth is wrong with you, Victoria!
He lunged forward and dropped to his knees, checking his crying baby carefully.
Lily screamed in alarm from the loud noise, clinging tightly to Julian's suit collar.
Julian: My baby! No, no, she is completely safe, thank God!
Tears of fury filled Julian's eyes as his breathing turned heavy and ragged.
He stood up slowly, clutching his crying daughter tightly in his left arm.
He turned his gaze toward Victoria with intense rage burning in his dark eyes.
In his anger, Julian reached out and grabbed the edge of Victoria's designer shawl.
A sharp ripping sound echoed through the room as her pearl necklace caught on his watch.
The strand of expensive pink pearls snapped instantly under the sudden tight pressure.
Bright pink pearls scattered wildly across the floor, bouncing and rolling over white marble.
Victoria stumbled backward, losing her balance and falling down onto the scattered pearls.
She landed hard on the slick floor, looking up at Julian with wide eyes.
Julian pointed his right hand furiously at the woman lying terrified on the floor.
Julian: Don't you ever come near us or my daughter ever again!