The butler bowed his head in shame, setting the tray on a nearby side table before walking quickly toward the back exit. Victoria stood alone in the center of the room, surrounded by wealthy guests who were now looking at her with total disgust.
Victoria: Julian... I didn't know! I swear I thought she was just an opportunistic staff member!
Julian: You knew exactly who she was, Victoria. That's why you targeted her the second I left town.
Alice: She took my phone, Julian. She locked me in the servant quarters on the third floor for two days without food.
Julian's jaw tightened so hard a muscle flexed in his cheek. He turned to Alice, placing his hand over her wet stomach.
Julian: Is the baby alright?
Alice: I think so... but I was so scared...
Julian: I'm here now. Nobody will ever hurt you again.
Julian looked up at the security guards standing at the entrance doors, gesturing for them to approach.
Julian: Escort Miss Victoria and her mother off my property immediately.
Victoria: You can't kick me out! This party was thrown for my family's foundation!
Julian: This party was funded by Sterling Global. And since you love throwing valuable things into water, Victoria, let's see how much you enjoy paying off your father's debts without my family's money.
Evelyn: Julian Sterling, you are making a grave mistake! My family has connections with every judge in this city!
Julian: Then you'd better start calling them, Evelyn. Because my legal team is filing a lawsuit against you for illegal confinement, harassment, and assault of a pregnant woman.
Two large security guards in black suits stepped beside Victoria and Evelyn, grabbing them firmly by the arms.
Guard: Ladies, please step toward the door. Do not make us use force.
Victoria: Let go of me! Don't you dare touch my dress! Julian! Tell them to stop!
Victoria kicked and screamed, but the guards pulled her effortlessly across the marble lobby and pushed her out through the grand double doors into the pouring rain outside. Her mother followed, screeching curses until the heavy doors slammed shut, cutting off their voices completely.
The foyer remained deathly quiet. Julian turned to face the remaining party guests, his expression cold and professional.
Julian: The party is over. Everyone, please leave through the main gates. My driver will arrange transport for anyone who needs it.
The guests didn't say a word. They quickly moved toward the doors, eager to escape the suffocating tension in the room. Within minutes, the grand mansion lobby was completely empty, leaving only Julian and Alice under the warm light of the crystal chandelier.
Julian immediately took off his heavy suit jacket and wrapped it around Alice's shivering shoulders, pulling her close into a tight, warm embrace.
Julian: I am so sorry, Alice. I should never have left you alone in this house with those monsters.
Alice: I was so worried about you, Julian... They told me you were going to marry her... they said you were just using me as a secret...
Julian: I would never choose anyone over you, Alice. You and our child are my entire life.
Alice rested her cheek against his chest, tears finally stopping as the warmth of his jacket seeped into her skin.
Alice: What about your father?
Julian: My father is going to answer for everything he's done. Tonight, we are leaving this house and moving into the estate in Aspen.