Chapter 118
The theft
As the lunch break came to an end, Silas returned to his office with palpable excitement dancing in his eyes. Esme, mirroring his enthusiasm, handed him the box.
"I can't wait to see it," Silas said, a wide grin splitting his face. He rubbed his hands together, anticipation bubbling over. His excitement radiated from every pore, infusing the air with an electric energy.
Esme stood there with a nervous flutter in her stomach. Silas, with a flourish, removed the cloth and lifted the lid.
The grin died a slow, agonizing death on his face. The empty space within the box mirrored the hollowness that bloomed in his chest. A deep frown furrowed his brow, replacing the earlier joy with a chilling panic.
"What kind of joke is this?" Silas asked. His voice was low, laced with a dangerous edge.
