A Snobbish Manager Mocks a Poor Old Man, Unaware He Is the Store's Founder — Part 2

Previously: When an arrogant jewelry store manager tries to kick a poorly dressed grandfather and his granddaughter out of the shop, he has no idea the old man holds the ultimate power over his job.

The Portrait on the Wall

Arthur looked up at the oil painting. The portrait depicted a distinguished man in a dark three-piece suit, holding a rare black diamond, with a sharp, visionary gaze. It was a painting of Arthur Sterling himself, commissioned forty years ago when he opened his very first flagship store. Time and a quiet retirement in a modest cottage had changed his appearance—he now wore his hair longer, grew a thick silver beard, and preferred comfortable, worn-out clothes over suffocating suits. But the eyes in the painting were identical to the eyes looking back at Richard now.

"I am familiar with him,"

Arthur said softly, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.

Richard scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Clearly not, or you'd know Arthur Sterling would never tolerate low-class loiterers ruining the atmosphere for our actual buyers. Now, I’m going to ask you to leave before I have security escort you out."

"Grandpa, let's go,"

Lily whispered, clutching Arthur's sleeve, her eyes filling with tears.

"I don't want the necklace anymore."

"It's alright, sweetheart,"

Arthur reassured her, gently patting her hand. He turned back to Richard.

"Before you call security, perhaps you should verify my identity. I believe my name is still on the master lease of this building."

Richard burst into laughter, and Sarah joined in, her cold eyes crinkling with amusement.

"The master lease? You? What, did you find a fake ID in a trash can?"

Richard mocked.

Arthur didn't argue. He slowly reached into the pocket of his faded olive green jacket and pulled out a vintage, worn leather wallet. From a hidden compartment, he withdrew a heavy, solid gold signet ring engraved with a unique crest—the original seal of the Sterling family business—and a black titanium card that had never been issued to the public.

"Call the regional director, Edward Vance,"

Arthur instructed calmly, placing the heavy gold ring on the glass counter.

"Tell him the founder is standing in flagship store number one."