Victoria took a quick step back toward the floor-to-ceiling glass window.
Her red dress shook slightly as her hands began to tremble with anger.
Victoria: How dare you raise your voice to me like that!
Victoria: I am your wife, Julian!
Julian: A title does not give you the right to demean anyone!
Julian: You humiliated a innocent child who did nothing wrong to you!
Sarah was still holding Lily tightly near the kitchen doorway.
She tried to step backward quietly into the hallway to leave.
Sarah: Mr. Julian, please do not fight on our account.
Sarah: We can go to our room right now.
Julian turned his head toward Sarah with a soft, steady expression.
Julian: Stay right where you are, Sarah.
Julian: You have nothing to apologize for in this house.
He walked away from the grand table toward the hallway area.
He stopped right beside Sarah and the small crying girl.
Julian bent down on one knee so he was at Lily's level.
He offered the child a warm, gentle smile and spoke softly.
Julian: Hey there, small one.
Julian: Are you okay now?
Lily wiped her wet nose with her tiny sleeve and nodded slowly.
She reached out her free hand and patted Julian's dark tux jacket.
Lily: I just wanted to see the shiny red dress.
Julian felt a powerful pang of sympathy deep within his chest.
He looked up at Sarah, whose eyes were filled with grateful tears.
Julian: Sarah, you work tirelessly for this home every single day.
Julian: You and your daughter deserve respect, kindness, and decency here.
He reached out and gently pulled out a large, comfortable dining chair.
It was the best seat right at the center of the big table.
Julian: Come, sit right here with me, Lily.
Julian: You are always welcome at my table whenever you want.
Victoria let out a loud, incredulous gasp from across the room.
Victoria: Are you completely insane, Julian?
Victoria: You are letting a servant sit in my place at breakfast?
Julian stood up straight and looked Victoria directly in the eyes.
His voice was quiet, icy, and filled with unbroken determination.
Julian: This is not your place anymore, Victoria.
Julian: Kindness makes a home, not expensive clothes or pride.
Victoria: You cannot treat me like this over a simple comment!
Julian: It was not just a comment, Victoria.
Julian: It was a window into your heart, and I dislike what I saw.
Victoria pressed her hands to her face in utter disbelief and humiliation.
She looked at Sarah and Lily sitting near the polished dining table.
The little girl was now holding a sweet strawberry from a plate.
Julian walked slowly back toward Victoria with a calm, decisive stride.
He stood directly in front of her, blocking the bright window light.
Julian: I think it is time for you to leave this apartment today.
Victoria blinked back hot tears of pure rage and deep embarrassment.
Victoria: You are kicking me out of our penthouse home?
Julian: I am asking you to go stay at a hotel right now.
Julian: Until you learn how to treat human beings with basic dignity.
Victoria snapped her mouth shut, realizing he was entirely serious about this.
She turned on her high heels and stomped heavily toward the master bedroom.
The bedroom door slammed shut with a sharp, echoing crash throughout the penthouse.