David heard the sound of breaking glass from across the long hallway.
He recognized his son's sharp cry of distress immediately.
He dropped the speech he was reading and ran down the corridor.
His heavy dress shoes pounded quickly against the marble floor.
David rounded the corner and saw Toby kneeling near the shattered glass.
His heart sank at the sight of his weeping son.
David immediately dropped to his knees right next to the little boy.
He pulled Toby into a warm, protective embrace, ignoring the spilled liquid.
David: I've got you!
Toby buried his small face into his father's black suit jacket.
He pointed a trembling finger toward the puddle and broken shards.
Toby: Daddy, they ruined our drink!
David stroked his son's hair gently to calm his shaking shoulders.
He felt a sudden rush of warmth and deep protective love for his boy.
Then he looked up to see who could have done such a terrible thing.
Standing just a few feet away was Evelyn, looking completely unbothered.
Beside her stood Victoria, wearing a shimmering red sequin gown.
Victoria was Evelyn's mother, and she shared the same harsh expression.
Neither woman showed any remorse or pity for the crying child.
David felt a burning anger rise deep within his chest.
Victoria: He deserved worse than that.
David stared at her in utter disbelief as her words echoed off the high walls.
He could not believe someone would speak about a child that way.
His jaw tightened and his hands clenched tightly into powerful fists.
The quiet father was now ready to protect his family at all costs.