Chapter 20

• I glance at the lounging area of the jewelry store where Ender brought me. For the third time after we arrive here. I look up at the Koziol silk wall clock of the store. He’s already been on that phone for fifteen minutes. The store manager who insists on assisting Ender and I has shown me numerous designs of rings. I like none of them, or maybe I’m not just focusing, for my eyes kept on drifting back to him.
• The old man subtly cleared his throat to win my attention. In an instant, I had my eyes looking back at him. The manager casually pasted a polite curve on his lips. “Were you looking for a particular design? Theme, maybe?” his forefinger head up as an imaginary bulb lights up in the corner of his head. “My bad. I forgot to tell you about Sterlington’s exclusive deal with a very important client like you and Mr. Mendeleev.” I straightened up my posture and gave her an apology look after I took another glimpse of the still-busy Endeavor Mendeleev.
• “We’ll come back some other time,” I said. The store manager’s jaw dropped. His eyes rounded up until they started to become bloodshot. One moment after he’s done redeeming himself, I think. He already has his hand properly laid against his lower abdomen as he bows his head as if I am royalty.