Maybe try the mall down the street. Her words hang in the perfumed air. Other customers turned to watch. Someone quietly pulls out their phone to record. Marcus maintained his calm demeanor.
I understand the price. I'd still like to see it. Emma exchanges a look with another sales associate across the floor. The second woman shakes her head slightly and returns to helping a well-dressed couple examine diamond earrings. Those watches start at $85,000, Emma says slowly, as if explaining to a child.
Do you understand what that means? I understand numbers quite well, Marcus replies evenly. His phone buzzes. The screen shows a text message from someone labeled board meeting with the message moved to 3:15. Still in conference room B.
Marcus quickly silences the phone, but the partial message was visible to anyone watching closely. Emma notices his expensive phone case, carbon fiber with what appears to be a company logo. She frowns slightly, uncertainty creeping into her expression for the first time, but she's committed to her assumption now. Sir, I really think you'd be more comfortable looking at our vintage collection. We have some nice watches under 5,000.
I'm interested in the PC Philippe, Marcus repeats. Security guard Mike Torres has been watching from his position near the entrance. He's a former police officer trained to read situations and people. Something about this interaction makes him uncomfortable, but he can't quite identify what. The black customer seems calm, polite even.
But Emma's body language suggests trouble brewing. Marcus checks his phone again. 2:51 P.m. 9 Minutes left. A teenage customer near the handbag display starts live streaming on Tik Tok.
Her username is Rodeo Watcher and she has a modest following of Beverly Hills gossip enthusiasts. Something's happening at Madison's. She whispers to her phone. This is getting weird. The live stream shows 47 viewers initially, but the number climbs as viewers share with friends.
Emma's supervisor, Sarah, notices the growing attention from her position behind the main counter. She's been managing high-end retail for 15 years, and she knows when a situation might escalate. Customer complaints, especially those involving accusations of discrimination, can destroy a store's reputation overnight. Sarah approaches with practiced professionalism, her heels clicking against marble floors. Is everything all right here?
Sarah's voice carries authority mixed with concern. Emma immediately launches into explanation. This gentleman is asking about the Phipe collection, but I explain our pricing structure. Then Marcus turns to Sarah. I'd like to purchase a watch as an anniversary gift.
I was hoping to see the Nautilus model. Sarah's eyes quickly assess Marcus' appearance. Worn jeans, basic hoodie, scuffed sneakers. She notes the backpack, the casual presentation. But she also notices something Emma missed.
His posture, the way he carries himself, the quality of his watch despite his casual clothes. Of course, sir, we'd be happy to show you our collection. However, I should mention that piece requires a significant deposit just to handle. How significant? Marcus asks. $25,000.
The live stream viewer count hits 200. Comments start flowing. This is uncomfortable. Why can't he just look? Store seems sketchy.