Chapter 4: The Shattered Glass**
The ballroom was silent as the clock struck eight. Julian entered the room, holding Lily’s small hand. The little girl wore a clean white cardigan over her pink dress, her eyes wide as she took in the glittering chandeliers and towering flower arrangements.
A murmur rippled through the gathered elite.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Julian began, his voice commanding the room without a microphone. "Thank you for coming. Before we discuss our quarterly merger, I want to introduce the newest member of the Thorne family. My niece, Lillian."
Before he could finish, a piercing crash echoed across the ballroom.
Alana stumbled backward near the towering champagne pyramid, clutching her wrist. Blood welled from a superficial scratch on her arm. At her feet lay shards of broken crystal.
"Julian!" Alana gasped, her voice trembling with theatrical panic. "The child... she threw the figurine! She lunged at me!"
The room erupted into gasps. Board members leaned forward, murmuring in disapproval. Walter stepped forward immediately, taking off his suit jacket to wrap around Alana’s arm.
"Julian, control the situation," Walter demanded loudly, ensuring every shareholder heard. "The child is clearly unstable and aggressive. You cannot bring an unvetted, dangerous minor into a corporate function!"
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Lily clung to Julian's leg, shaking violently, her eyes darting between the angry adults. "I didn't... Uncle Julian, the lady took my hand..."
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