Chapter 2 - The Golden PaperweightArthur was negotiating the purchase of a massive abstract painting when he became irritated by a waiter standing too close.
"Move."
The waiter immediately stepped aside.
Arthur turned sharply.
His expensive shoe caught the edge of a velvet display cloth.
A small golden paperweight fell from the pedestal.
It landed silently on the white carpet.
No one noticed.
Except Lily.
The little girl released her mother's hand.
"Mommy, someone dropped this."
"Stay close to me, sweetheart."
But Lily was already kneeling.
She picked up the golden object with both hands.
She wanted to return it.
That was all.
She looked up.
Arthur was staring directly at her.
His expression changed.
The harmless object suddenly became, in his mind, evidence of theft.
"Hey."
Lily froze.
Arthur walked toward her.
"Put that down."
"I was just going to—"
"Put it down."
Sarah immediately stepped forward.
"Sir, she was only picking it up."
Arthur ignored her.
He looked at Lily as if she were something dirty that had wandered into his world.
"You people always think you can take whatever you want."
Sarah's eyes hardened.
"Excuse me?"
Arthur's jaw tightened.
He had spent decades surrounded by people who apologized when he raised his voice.
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He expected the same now.
He didn't get it.
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