He wanted to examine a watch connected to his family's history.
The watch had been produced by a small manufacturer that Arthur's company had acquired several years earlier.
It was one of only twelve pieces ever created.
He had personally designed the original mechanism with his father decades earlier.
When he discovered that one of the watches had appeared in the Windsor collection, he decided to visit.
He wanted to inspect its condition before discussing a potential purchase.
He had not informed the store's management of his arrival.
He wanted to see the showroom as an ordinary customer would experience it.
Unfortunately, Vanessa was making that experience increasingly unpleasant.
She glanced at the elderly man again.
"Sir, are you still waiting?"
Arthur nodded.
"Yes."
"I already explained that we cannot open the display without a serious purchasing intention."
Arthur looked at her.
"And what would demonstrate that intention?"
Vanessa laughed.
"Usually, customers who buy watches like that know exactly what they want."
Arthur smiled.
"Perhaps they do."
She pointed toward another display.
"Those watches are much more appropriate for someone looking for an affordable gift."
Arthur shook his head.
"I'm not looking for an affordable gift."
Vanessa sighed.
"Then perhaps you should make an appointment with our senior sales department."
"I thought that was what I was doing by asking you."
Vanessa's smile disappeared.
"Sir, I have other customers to assist."
Arthur glanced around.
There was nobody else waiting at her counter.
He noticed.
She noticed that he noticed.
But she still refused to acknowledge it.
CHAPTER 3: THE WATCH THAT MEANT EVERYTHING
Arthur returned his attention to the gold watch.
Its design was elegant but understated.
Unlike many modern luxury watches, it did not rely on oversized decorations or flashy gemstones.
Its value came from the movement inside.
Arthur recognized the pattern immediately.
The dial contained a small engraving near the lower edge.
It was a symbol he had designed with his father when he was twenty-three years old.
Two interlocking letters formed a tiny emblem.
A.
B.
Arthur Bennett.
His father had insisted that the symbol should never be placed somewhere obvious.
"People who understand quality will find it," his father used to say.
Arthur had never forgotten those words.
He leaned slightly closer to the glass.
"Is this the original movement?"
Vanessa looked irritated.
"I already told you it's an exclusive collection."
"That wasn't my question."
She crossed her arms.
"Sir, are you a watch collector?"
Arthur smiled.
"I've collected a few over the years."
"Professionally?"
"Something like that."