Chapter 117

In the boy's small palm sat three platinum gold coins.

In front of the bakery, Aaron had whispered for him to wait. Then he'd slipped away without Mia or Tanya noticing, meaning to return the coins.

But since Christine hadn't taken them, the boy had chased after him for a long while on his short legs.

Little one or not, his sheer persistence was something to be reckoned with.

"I told you clearly enough — that's for the bread."

"Mom said you gave way too much, so I have to give it back! And Tanya said the mister who gave it must be crazy!"

Christine furrowed his brow, caught somewhere between amusement and disbelief.

"Go tell your mother I'm not a crazy man, so she can take it without worrying."

"No way. My mom said I have to give it back for sure!"

The boy planted both hands on his…