Arthur moved across the bakery floor faster than anyone expected for a man of his age. His dark eyes were fixed entirely on Marcus, who slowly lowered the telephone receiver as his face turned pale white. Marcus thought his boss was coming to praise him for keeping the store clean of unwanted beggars, so he tried to force a confident smile onto his lips.
Marcus: Mr. Vance, I was just handling these street kids who came in here bothering people.
Arthur did not say a single word as he reached the main counter. Without hesitation, he raised his right hand and forcefully slapped Marcus across the face. The loud, sharp sound rang out through the silent bakery like a gunshot, echoing off the high glass walls and marble countertops. Marcus stumbled backward into the shelf of freshly baked bread, clutching his red cheek in utter shock and embarrassment.
Marcus: Mr. Vance! Why did you do that to me?
Arthur: How dare you treat innocent children like that in my store!
The wealthy owner shouted with a voice that thundered like deep thunder, shaking the very glass displays around them. Marcus cowered against the back wall, completely terrified by the explosive rage of the billionaire standing before him. The customers in the bakery watched in complete awe, paralyzed by the sudden shift in power.
Arthur: I built this business on compassion and respect, not cruel arrogance!
Marcus: They were begging sir! They have no money!
Arthur: That boy has more dignity in his little finger than you have in your entire body!
Arthur turned his back on the trembling clerk, dismissing him entirely as if he were nothing more than trash on the floor. He took a deep breath to calm his racing heart, his stern posture softening instantly as he looked down at the two small children standing near the door. Toby was frozen in place, holding Lily tightly while staring at the rich elderly man with wide, tearful eyes.
Arthur walked over to the refrigeration display near the front glass window. He reached inside with gentle hands, pulling out a large, cold bottle of fresh organic whole milk and a basket of warm, freshly baked sweet rolls. He brought them directly over to Toby, bending his old knees so he could look the young boy right in the eyes at his level.
Arthur: Take this fresh milk and food for your little sister, son.
Toby looked from the cold bottle to the elderly man's kind face, unable to believe what was happening after so much fear and pain.
Toby: But sir, I only have seventy-seven cents to give you.
Arthur: Keep your money in your pocket, child. Your love for your sister has already paid for everything in full.
Toby let out a shaky breath as tears overflowed his eyelids, splashing down onto his jacket. He accepted the fresh milk, feeling the heavy cold weight of the bottle in his hands. Lily reached out her tiny hands, letting out a joyful squeal as the old man offered her a small, warm honey roll. But as Arthur looked closer at the young boy's face, his eyes caught sight of a small silver locket hanging around Toby's neck, poking out from beneath his tattered hoodie.