Before I could even say a word in my defense, I was pinned to the ground by four or five burly security guards. The box I had just packed up was overturned, and all my belongings spilled across the floor.
After carefully searching everything, the guards found nothing unusual and shook their heads at Joanna.
Joanna’s expression eased slightly, but before she could speak, Clive let out a soft sigh. “Looks like Lance is pretty professional about this. He knew something like that shouldn’t be hidden anywhere else. It’s safest on his person. But there are so many people here. I can’t bear to have them search you.
“Joanna, maybe we should just let it go? Even though that watch is my favorite, I’ll just go home and cry for a couple of days. It’s not worth humiliating Lance over this…”
As soon as he said that, the last trace of hesitation in Joanna’s eyes disappeared. “The Lewis family has strict morals. We have zero tolerance for thieves! Don’t hold back. Keep searching. Strip him!”
Right there in front of everyone, I was pinned down like a dog. My jacket and shirt were torn off one after another, revealing my upper body—tight, defined muscles and several hideous old scars across my back.
Joanna frowned and asked subconsciously, “How did you get those scars?”
Back when I was in military school, I had been injured saving three classmates who fell off a cliff during a training exercise.
I paid a price for it, but I saved three lives and earned a personal second-class merit award.
Before I could speak, Clive cut in with a sigh, “Joanna, it’d be better not to ask.
“Lance spent years out there, growing up in an orphanage. It’s not surprising he picked up some bad habits and got beaten up after getting caught stealing.
“He’s so proud. He probably doesn’t want to talk about it in front of everyone.”
Before I could even refute it, Clive used the excuse of leaning in to look at my scars and pressed his knee against the back of my neck.
A wave of suffocation hit me instantly. I could not speak, and could barely breathe. Yet Joanna believed him completely. The disgust in her eyes deepened. “No wonder he stole Clive’s watch. He’s got a history! It must still be on him. Keep searching!”
The guards had no choice but to obey and started moving toward my pants. Female employees had already turned red and looked away, while a few curious male coworkers leaned in, pointing and whispering.
“ I didn’t expect it. Lance looks so decent, but he’s actually got a pretty solid build!”
“Heh, no wonder he closed so many deals. Bet he slept his way through rich women. Probably sold his body.”
Joanna did not defend me at all when she heard the mockery. Instead, she looked at me like I had embarrassed her.
“You’re a disgrace, an utter shame! The Lewis family will never shield someone like you. Once the watch is found, I’ll send you straight to the police, and you’ll pay for this!”
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, the guards reached for me. At that moment, a stern voice came from the elevator entrance. “What the hell are you doing in broad daylight? Don’t you people have any shame?!”
