Arthur led Leo away from the crowded ballroom and guided him into a quiet private office down the hall.
He ordered the hotel manager to bring warm soup, fresh sandwiches, and a cup of hot chocolate for the boy.
Leo ate hungrily, his hands shaking slightly as he held the silver spoon near his mouth.
Arthur sat across the dark mahogany desk, watching the child eat while holding the gold watch tight.
He turned the pocket watch over in his hand and noticed a tiny release spring near the back hinge.
Arthur pressed the tiny steel spring, causing a hidden back panel of the golden watch to pop open.
Inside the secret compartment sat a folded piece of yellowed paper sealed with clear tape.
Arthur carefully unfolded the paper, unfolding a handwritten letter written in his brother's distinct handwriting.
The letter was dated nine years ago, written just months after Thomas was believed to have died.
Arthur read the short sentences quickly, feeling his blood run cold with every single line on the page.
The letter revealed that Thomas had not drowned in the river on that fateful rain-slicked night.
He had survived an intentional car crash arranged by someone close to the family business empire.
Thomas had gone into hiding to protect Clara and their unborn child from further mysterious accidents.
He had transferred his legal right to the family inheritance into a secret trust account for his son.
The only way to unlock the trust fund was through the physical possession of the golden pocket watch locket.
Suddenly, the office door swung open with a loud thud that echoed off the high walls.
Richard Sterling stepped into the private room, shutting the heavy door firmly behind his back.
His face was pale with rage, and his sharp eyes fixed immediately on the golden watch on the desk.
Richard: Arthur, what is the meaning of this foolish display?
Richard: You are causing a scene in front of our key board members.
Arthur: I think you know exactly why this boy is here, Richard.
Arthur: Take a very close look at this watch.
Richard: That is just trash from the street.
Richard: Call security and have this beggar boy evicted immediately.
Leo: I am not a beggar!
Leo: My dad was Thomas Vance!
Richard took a sudden step forward, his fists clenching tightly at his sides as his face darkened.
Richard: Quiet, you insolent little brat!
Arthur: Do not ever speak to my nephew like that again!