The large crystal chandelier hung high above the grand marble foyer of the estate.
Golden lights reflected off the polished stone floor like shimmering water in the sun.
Wealthy guests walked through the front doors dressed in expensive gowns and dark tuxedos.
They laughed and talked loudly while drinking expensive drinks from slender glass flutes.
Up on the grand balcony, people stood looking down at the crowd below.
In the middle of the crowded room stood a little boy named Matthew.
He was eight years old and wore a crisp white suit with a black bow tie.
Matthew adjusted his small white tuxedo jacket and looked around nervously.
He felt the hard floor vibrate every time the heavy orchestra played a deep note.
Behind his left ear sat a small beige hearing aid that hummed softly.
Many guests glanced at him with curious and cold eyes as they walked past.
Guest One: Who brought that quiet child into such an important meeting tonight?
Guest Two: He is just standing there alone while everyone else talks about business.
Matthew did not hear their sharp whispers, but he could feel their strange glances.
He kept his hands tucked neatly behind his back to stay perfectly still.
His heart beat quickly inside his small chest as he waited for his father.
David was busy near the front door talking to major company board members.
Matthew loved his adoptive father more than anything else in the whole world.
Three years ago, Matthew lived in a noisy and crowded state orphanage facility.
He remembered feeling confused because nobody there understood how to sign with him.
Then David came into his life and changed everything with patience and love.
David spent long hours every single night learning how to sign basic letters.
Now they lived in a warm home filled with light and happy music.
Yet tonight felt different because David's greedy brother Richard was present at the party.
Richard had been eyeing David's large company estate and fortune for many long years.
Matthew saw Richard standing near the grand staircase with a harsh look.
Richard: You do not belong in a family with this kind of wealth, kid.
Matthew could read lips very well and caught every single rude word Richard said.
He pressed his back against the cool marble pillar and swallowed his fear.
He wished his father would come over and hold his hand right now.
Just then, a flash of bright red color caught Matthew's eye across the room.