Arthur pulled his dark suit jacket tight against the brisk morning wind.
He looked up at the towering brick gates of the Vance estate.
The white marble foyer inside had always felt colder than ice to him.
He took a deep breath before pushing open the heavy mahogany front doors.
The air inside smelled faintly of expensive roses and dry paper.
Arthur stepped quietly into the grand hallway and listened closely.
He heard quick footsteps echoing down from the second-floor balcony.
His heart raced as he recognized the sharp voice above him.
Evelyn Vance stood near the top railing with her head held high.
She was wearing a tailored grey suit that matched her stern eyes.
Beside her stood Clara, wearing a soft pink dress and weeping softly.
Clara held a small swaddled blanket tightly against her delicate shoulder.
Arthur felt his knees go weak at the sight of his wife.
He had spent three endless months away fighting a bitter legal battle.
Evelyn had used every penny of her trust fund to separate them.
She never believed a simple carpenter was good enough for her daughter.
Now a newborn baby was at the center of her grand scheme.
Arthur took three large strides toward the center of the white marble.
Evelyn noticed him immediately and folded her arms across her chest.
Her face showed no warmth or affection for her son-in-law.
She looked down at him as if he were an intruder.
Clara stepped forward with tears streaming down her pale cheeks.
She clutched the swaddled baby closer to protect him from the tension.
The silence in the grand house felt thick and heavy like storm clouds.
Arthur raised his hand and spoke with clear determination in his voice.
He demanded to know why his wife was barred from leaving.
Evelyn snorted softly and raised a folder of stiff legal documents.
She claimed the baby belonged to the family estate and its legacy.
Arthur felt a surge of fiery anger rise deep within his chest.
He promised himself that no wealth would tear his family apart today.
He took another step toward the staircase with absolute resolve.