The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 92

The image showed a middle-aged Asian man dressed in a classic 1940s East Coast suit. His features bore a striking resemblance to Charley's, radiating an aura of commanding authority paired with a kind smile. He was surrounded by a group of modestly dressed laborers.

The plaque read: *Charles Sheffield, prominent industrialist, founder of multiple manufacturing plants on the American East Coast. During WWII, he liquidated his factories and exhausted his entire family fortune to procure medical supplies and arms for the war effort. Widely honored as a defining patriot of the overseas business community.*

Charley kept his arms crossed, looking down at her. "My family went completely bankrupt during my grandfather's generation."

"Oh." Lavinia parted her lips, unsure of what to say.

After a long moment, she murmured, "But I think your family is incredibly wealthy. Spiritually wealthy."

Charley raised an eyebrow. "Are you quoting a middle school essay?"

She didn't respond. It made sense now—there was no way he was the legendary capital heavyweight everyone whispered about.

"So what about the crest?" she asked.

"Why are you asking about it?" He studied her intently.

"Because someone asked me," she paused, "if I'd ever seen a crest that looked exactly like the one on your cufflink."

Charley unfastened the cufflink and handed it to her.

She placed it in the center of her palm. It was surprisingly heavy, carrying a solid weight to it, though the metal didn't seem to be anything precious.

The inverted 'S' carved into it resembled the endless, rolling crests of river waves.

He finally spoke. "This is the emblem of The Overseas Compatriots Mutual Aid Association. It dates back over a century. Anyone who was ever part of this association has something with this mark in their home."

He paused.

"The association has since been reorganized into The Overseas Compatriots Business Association. This cufflink is a family heirloom passed down from my grandfather. I always wear it."

So that was it. Lavinia stuck her tongue out sheepishly. She had completely misunderstood.

"Your grandfather was an amazing man," she said genuinely.

Charley reached over and lightly ruffled the top of her hair. "Just an ordinary man of flesh and blood."

Zoey sent back three laughing emojis: *[Boss, aren't you afraid Lavinia is going to settle the score when she finds out?]*

Charley frowned and typed: *[Go back to the States. Have Archie take over.]*

*[No way, Boss! Did you forget? I'm your most loyal subordinate!]*

He arched an eyebrow and pocketed his phone.

Lavinia had already reached the entrance and was standing there waiting for him.

The late afternoon light poured in from outside, wrapping around her in a soft glow. She stood there, looking as if she had been suspended in time.

He watched her for two seconds before stepping forward.

Lavinia watched Charley as he walked out of the shadowed corridor and toward the light.

For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that he was still hiding something.