As the minutes dragged on, Malcolm’s mind began to drift despite himself. He recalled the innocence of his own childhood, a time long before wealth and mistrust had hardened his heart. Yet he quickly snapped back to the present, reminding himself that he was conducting a test—a test to prove that even a young child could succumb to temptation.
Suddenly, a soft rustle drew Malcolm’s attention. He resisted the urge to open his eyes and waited, his senses heightened. The rustling grew louder, and he could feel the presence of the boy coming closer. Milo was on the move.
The child’s footsteps padded gently across the carpet, approaching the table where the envelope of money lay conspicuously. Malcolm’s pulse quickened. He envisioned the small hands reaching out, the curiosity overtaking the boy’s restraint. It was only a matter of time.
