Julian ran forward across the light marble floor like a lightning bolt.
He reached the child in a fraction of a second, shielding him completely.
He knelt down quickly on the bright floor and scooped Leo into his arms.
The little boy wrapped his arms tightly around Julian's neck, crying hysterically.
Leo: Papa! Papa!
The word shattered the quiet air of the foyer like breaking glass.
Julian held his son tightly against his chest, feeling his body tremble.
The boy instinctually knew that this man was his true father and protector.
Julian buried his face in the child's hair for a brief, emotional second.
Then he turned around with an expression of pure, overwhelming rage inside.
Victoria took a step back, startled by the sudden violent look in his eyes.
She had never seen her refined cousin look so terrifyingly furious before.
Julian: How dare you!
Julian shouted the words with a voice that echoed through the entire mansion.
The sheer force of his voice made the crystal chandelier tremble high above.
He stood up slowly, holding the crying boy close to his heart.
He lunged forward with absolute authority, shoving Victoria back away from them.
Victoria lost her balance on her high heels and stumbled back hard.
She fell onto the bright marble floor with a heavy, loud thud.
She let out a sharp scream of shock and pain as she hit the ground.
Victoria: You shoved me? You laid a hand on your own blood?
Julian: You are no blood of mine after what you tried to do!
Victoria sat on the cold floor, her jacket scuffed and her hair messily unraveled.
She glared up at Julian, expecting him to apologize for the harsh blow.
Instead, she saw only cold, unwavering contempt in his focused eyes.
Elena rushed to Julian's side, placing a hand on her small nephew's back.
Elena: Julian, I was trying to tell you, we were hiding him for safety.
Julian: You never have to hide from me again, Elena, never again.