And that was not the only problem.
Michael was about to discover something much worse.
CHAPTER 6: THE MISTAKE BEHIND THE GLASS
Michael asked Daniel to prepare a full inspection report.
Then he turned toward Arthur.
"Would you like to sit in my office while we review the documentation?"
Arthur agreed.
As they walked away, Michael noticed that Arthur was carrying a small black notebook.
"What brings you here today, Mr. Bennett?"
Arthur smiled.
"I wanted to see whether your company was taking proper care of the collection."
Michael nodded.
"We certainly try."
Arthur looked at him.
"Trying and doing are not always the same thing."
Michael understood.
"Has something else happened?"
Arthur opened his notebook.
He showed Michael several photographs.
They contained images of the watch's original documentation, manufacturing records, and a series of maintenance notes.
Michael examined them.
"Where did you get these?"
"From my company's archives."
Michael frowned.
"These records don't match the documents we received."
Arthur nodded.
"That's what concerns me."
He explained that the watch had originally been sold to a private collector under a special agreement.
The agreement required regular servicing by an authorized specialist.
However, the records inside the store suggested that the watch had been serviced by an unapproved third party.
The work might have damaged the movement.
Michael became serious.
"Who approved this?"
He immediately requested the purchase history.
Daniel returned with the inspection report.
The watch had indeed been opened.
Several internal components appeared to have been replaced.
The original movement was no longer completely intact.
Michael stared at the report.
"How could this happen?"
Daniel answered carefully.
"I can only confirm what I found. Someone has previously worked on the watch."
Arthur looked at Michael.
"Your company needs to investigate the entire process."
Michael nodded.
"Agreed."
He turned toward Vanessa.
"Did you know about the servicing?"
She shook her head.
"No, sir."
"Who was responsible for this collection?"
Vanessa hesitated.
"Mr. Thompson handled most of the records."
Michael looked at her.
"Then we need to speak with him."
CHAPTER 7: THE SECOND SECRET
The store's inventory manager, Peter Thompson, was summoned.
Peter had worked for Windsor Jewelry Gallery for almost seven years.
He was responsible for managing the high-value inventory and coordinating external servicing.
When he entered Michael's office, he immediately noticed the watch on the table.
His expression changed.
"Is there a problem?"
Michael showed him the inspection report.
"Explain this."
Peter looked at the document.
"I don't understand."
Arthur spoke calmly.
"The watch has been opened by an unauthorized technician."