A Rude Manager Humiliated an Old Man, Unaware He Was the Store's Founder — Part 2

Previously: When a snobbish jewelry manager and sales rep insulted a grandfather and his young granddaughter, they had no idea the old man's face was hanging on their own wall.

A Portrait of the Past

Richard smirked, expecting the old man to shrink away in shame. The portrait on the wall depicted a handsome, sharp-eyed young man in his late twenties, standing proudly in front of the very first Aurelia boutique fifty years ago. It was a symbol of legacy, luxury, and untouchable wealth.

Arthur slowly turned his head to look at the portrait. A strange, quiet smile touched his lips, though his eyes remained filled with a deep sadness. He looked from the portrait back to Richard, whose arms were crossed in a posture of absolute superiority.

"I am well aware of who founded this store,"

Arthur said softly, his voice gaining a sudden, commanding resonance that made Richard blink in surprise.

"Then you should know we don't tolerate beggars distracting our actual clientele,"

Sarah chimed in, eager to please her manager.

"Please leave before we call security."

Arthur didn't move. Instead, he reached into his worn blazer and pulled out a small, tarnished silver key on a simple chain. He set it gently on the glass counter. The metallic clink echoed in the tense silence of the room.

Richard’s eyes darted to the key, and his breath hitched. It was an antique master key, stamped with the original, hand-engraved crest of Aurelia Jewelers—a key that only three people in the world possessed.

"Where did you steal that?"

Richard whispered, his face suddenly losing its color.

"Look closer at the portrait, Richard,"

Arthur said, stepping closer to the counter, his posture straightening.

"Look at the signet ring on the founder's left hand. And then look at my hand."

Richard and Sarah both stared. On Arthur's left hand was the exact same heavy gold signet ring, bearing the unique family crest.