The way they looked at me was full of disgust as though I were some vile criminal.
I hadn’t even opened my mouth to respond when a familiar voice rang out from behind.
“Enough! Who gave you permission to speak like that? Get back to work!”
It was Veronica.
Only then did the employees reluctantly scatter.
She walked up to me with a warm smile. “Honey,” she said, “I bought you a new watch. Try it on.”
From her bag, she took out a pristine wristwatch.
Gasps erupted around us.
"A Patek Philippe limited edition! Only three were ever made—rumor is, they were all snatched up by mysterious collectors!"
"President Campbell must’ve gone to great lengths to get her hands on this. She’s so thoughtful..."
Everyone looked on with admiration and envy.
But my response remained cold.
“I came to collect my family heirloom,” I said, stepping back. “You can save the watch—for your teddy bear.”
The words hit like ice water.
Veronica froze, stunned.
The crowd erupted again, only now with outrage.
“What an ungrateful bastard!”
“He doesn’t deserve anything good!”
I ignored every word and headed upstairs.