The assistant paused, visibly impressed. "He looks quite distinguished. Seems familiar, too."

Julie managed a courteous yet insincere smile. "He's recently returned from abroad. Life's been modest for him in Duefron."

This seemed to reassure the assistant, who perhaps felt that if Marcus was truly remarkable, he wouldn't opt for their modestly positioned brand for children's clothing. With this in mind, she presented some of the store's priciest items, including a pair of limited edition shoes retailing for over four hundred dollars.

Typically, Julie would steer clear of such extravagant purchases.

However, with Matthew's father present, she anticipated Marcus might indulge in a grand gesture of affluence.

To her surprise, Marcus' approach was far from the lavish display she expected. He meticulously tried different shoes on Matthew, carefully selecting garments as if managing a budget.

His careful. consideration painted Marcus in a different light for Julie.

He seemed less the stereotypical affluent heir and more a devoted father, focused on the practicalities of comfort and suitability rather than mere luxury.

As Marcus removed his coat and attentively fitted shoes on Matthew, even ensuring the laces were tied into neat bowknots, his actions spoke of a man grounded in the realities of parenting. He even sought Matthew's opinion on the appearance and fit of the shoes, emphasizing the child's comfort and preference over the prestige of expense.

For half an hour, Matthew busily tried on various outfits and shoes.

The shop assistant, growing restless, finally pressed, "Are you going to make a purchase?"

Marcus, having selected all the pieces that suited Matthew perfectly, affectionately ruffled the boy's hair. "Which ones do you like best?" he inquired.

Clutching his chosen favorites, Matthew looked up at Marcus with a beaming smile, one that could warm the coldest of hearts.

With a soft smile, Marcus decided, "We'll take these, then."

Rising, Marcus retrieved his phone from his coat and made a call.

“sylvia, I'm at the Bellville Mall. Could you come and settle the bill? Yes, I left my wallet behind in a rush."

The assistant's expression soured at these words.

Just as she was on the brink of irritation, a colleague whispered urgently, “That man might be the CEO of the Fowler Group. His family owns this building."

Stunned, the shop assistant reconsidered Marcus, her attitude shifting dramatically.

Her surprise was palpable. The CEO of the Fowler Group, known to have a partner, now appeared with a child. Could this boy be his son?