The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 576

Just like Manley, Petty had been curious about what kind of gift Cavanaugh would pull from his pocket from the moment he started digging around.

It wasn't that she cared about the material value, but his dramatic, drawn-out searching had truly built up the suspense.

Even Hans, who was driving, had thrown him a curious glance.

And the result was a painfully outdated finger heart.

Hans felt a surge of pure irritation. "Ian, if you dare pull another lame stunt like that with me around..."

But before he could finish his threat, Cavanaugh uncurled his other three fingers. A delicate, beautifully crafted antique pocket watch tumbled from his palm.

It swayed gently from a gold chain, catching the sunlight streaming through the car window and refracting it into brilliant, scattered beams.

"For you, little guy."

Manley's huge, round eyes locked onto the pocket watch. He blinked a few times before reaching out with his chubby hands to take it.

Petty leaned in for a closer look.

When Manley popped the cover open, it revealed a clock face inlaid with rubies. The inner mechanics were far more intricate and stunning than she had ever imagined.

"Don't tell me this is a family heirloom. It's too expensive."

Nearly two years old, Manley had no concept of what it actually was. He only knew it was pretty and round, much like the pancakes Grandpa Jackson made for him.

"It's not an heirloom. It's just a watch, why would it be expensive?" Cavanaugh waved a hand dismissively. "I have no use for it. It's just going to gather dust, so I gave it to him as a little toy. He can play with it however he wants."

A little toy to play with?

One glance was enough to tell the watch was extraordinary.

Petty knew Cavanaugh wasn't putting on an act, but even if the piece wasn't an official antique, it was undeniably priceless.

"What's the story behind this watch?"

Cavanaugh leaned his head back against the seat and closed his eyes. "Years ago, during my first time successfully hypnotizing someone, I practiced on my professor. I made him do an embarrassing disco dance routine. He gave it to me after he woke up."

More accurately, the professor had been thrilled to discover a once-in-a-century genius, but equally enraged that his student had the sheer audacity to hypnotize him. In a fit of absolute humiliation, the professor had hurled the pocket watch at his head and told him to get the hell out.

But those were minor, unimportant details.

From the back seat came the boy's curious babbling. "Oh... hm..."

Manley shook the pocket watch, and the internal mechanisms emitted a crisp, beautiful chime.

Petty hadn't expected to run into Harris here either.

She had only returned to the country last night. Aside from the people at Misty Vale and Amy, no one else knew she was back.

"What a coincidence, Harris. I just got back last night."

Harris, afraid she might feel awkward, smoothly changed the subject and patted Manley's head. "You've gotten a little heavier."

Petty nodded and glanced at the assistant standing behind him. "You should go ahead if you're busy with work."

"Yeah, alright." Harris's fingers twitched at his sides.

He turned slightly, making room for Petty and the others to pass.

Behind them, the elevator doors opened and closed.

Manley looked back over Hans's shoulder. "Uncle, go."

Petty gently turned his little head back around. "You'll get to see him tomorrow for your birthday."

As they stepped into the private room, Cavanaugh laced his hands behind his head and let out a soft, dramatic sigh. "Ah, another one of your romantic debts."