The Shopkeeper’s Suspicion
The shopkeeper’s eyes narrowed as he continued to inspect the ring. His brow furrowed, and he set the loupe down, staring at Maria intently. “Where did you get this ring?” he asked, his tone sharp and accusatory. The question caught Maria off guard. She stammered, “It—it belonged to my grandmother. She gave it to me before she passed.” His expression hardened, as if something didn’t sit right with him.
A Closer Look at the Ring
The shopkeeper lifted the ring, his hands steady as he scrutinized the small sapphire set in the band. He turned it over, studying the inside where a faint inscription was barely visible. His eyes widened, and his face paled slightly. Maria shifted uncomfortably, sensing the shift in his demeanor. “What is it?” she asked, her voice laced with nervousness. The shopkeeper remained silent for a moment, his mind clearly racing.