Julian: Grandfather, why would Lily mention your ring?
Arthur: Children say foolish things, Julian. Drink your wine.
Julian: She mentioned a brass key. And the family estate papers.
Evelyn: Julian, please! You're making a scene in front of our guests!
Julian: I want to know why my wife was in the garden with my grandfather yesterday.
Arthur: Watch your tone in my home, boy.
Lily: He gave her the key from his pocket, Mommy!
Claire: Lily, sit down right now. Let the adults speak.
Lily: But he told her she would get the mansion if she hid the blue folder!
Julian slowly stood up from his leather chair, his hands gripping the edge of the dark oak table until his knuckles turned pure white.
Julian: What blue folder, Evelyn?
Evelyn: I don't know what she's talking about! She's seven years old!
Julian: The blue folder from my father's office? The one containing his original last will and testament?
Evelyn: Julian, stop this madness!
Arthur: Sit down, Julian. You are embarrassing this family.
Julian: I'm not sitting down until I see what's inside her handbag.
Arthur slammed his heavy palm onto the table, making the wine glasses jump and rattle against the wood.
Arthur: You will not search my daughter-in-law's belongings in my dining room!
Julian: Why not? If she has nothing to hide, let her open the bag!
Claire: Julian, look at her face. She's terrified.
Evelyn: I am not terrified! I am offended!
Evelyn grabbed her designer handbag from the floor and pulled it tightly against her chest, her breathing turning fast and shallow.
Julian took two long steps around the side of the dining table, ignoring the shocked whispers of thirty wealthy guests.
Julian: Hand me the bag, Evelyn.
Evelyn: No! Get away from me!
Julian: Give it to me!
Arthur: Security! Get in here right now!
Two large security guards in black suits stepped through the heavy double doors, standing near the doorway with hesitant expressions.
Arthur: Escort my grandson out of the building. He has had too much to drink.
Julian: Don't touch me! I haven't had a single drop of alcohol tonight!
Lily: Mommy, why is Grandfather angry at the lady?
Claire: Shh, baby. Stay behind me.
Julian: Evelyn, if you don't open that bag right now, I'm calling the police to report a stolen deed.
Evelyn: The police?! Over a child's story?!
Julian: Open the bag!
Julian snatched the strap of the leather bag. Evelyn shrieked, pulling back with all her weight, but the zipper gave way. The contents spilled across the polished hardwood floor—a gold lipstick, a compact mirror, a small brass key, and a folded blue paper with an official court seal.