The bright fluorescent lights of the hospital hallway felt cold and sterile.
Julian sat on a rigid plastic chair outside the private examination room door.
He kept his face buried in his hands as he prayed for good news.
The heavy double doors at the end of the corridor suddenly swung open.
Victoria walked down the hall accompanied by two senior corporate attorneys in suits.
Julian stood up instantly, his hands tightening into firm fists at his sides.
Julian: How dare you follow us to the hospital after what you did?
Victoria: Julian, we need to clear up this misunderstanding before the press hears.
Lawyer: Mr. Vance, your mother only wants to protect the company stock value.
Julian: Get your lawyers out of my face before I call hospital security!
Victoria: I am your mother, Julian! You cannot cut me out of your life!
Julian: You showed no mercy to Elena when she was crying on those stairs.
The examination room door opened slowly, and a female doctor stepped outside.
Julian immediately stepped past the lawyers to talk to the lead doctor.
Julian: Doctor, please tell me how my wife and baby are doing!
Doctor: Mrs. Vance experienced severe emotional stress, but the baby is healthy.
Julian let out a huge breath of relief and closed his eyes tightly.
Doctor: We are keeping her overnight for observation, but she is out of danger.
Julian: Can I go inside and see her right now, Doctor?
Doctor: Yes, but she needs rest, so keep the visit quiet and brief.
Julian turned back to face Victoria and her team of silent lawyers.
Julian: You heard the doctor. My family is safe despite your actions.
Victoria: Julian, please let me come inside and apologize to her properly.
Julian: You will never come near my wife or my child ever again.
Victoria: You are making a huge mistake that will ruin your entire inheritance!
Julian: I am handing those forged trust papers over to the district attorney tomorrow.
Victoria took a step back as if she had been hit by a wave.
The lawyers exchanged nervous glances and stepped slightly away from Victoria's side.
Lawyer: Mrs. Vance, we should leave immediately and discuss this in private.
Victoria: Julian, you wouldn't send your own mother to prison, would you?
Julian: You made your choice on that staircase, and now I make mine.