62 Inside, Darius seethed with anger and humiliation. But he knew any show of emotion would only empower these petty fools further. With immense effort, he schooled his features into polite disinterest. "Think what you like, I've no need to prove myself to the likes of you," Darius retorted, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. He made to walk on, but Laurent, the salesman, blocked his path with a smug grin on his face. "Aww, don't be like that!" Laurent exclaimed, his eyes glinting with sadistic pleasure. "We were just having a bit of fun with the homeless urchin," he added, provoking jeering laughs from his audience. Darius clenched his jaw, feeling the weight of Laurent's mockery like a physical blow. "Your words say more about you than they do about me," he replied coolly, struggling to maintain his composure. Laurent leaned in, his smirk widening. "Bet they threw you out on your scrawny rear the second they saw your dirty mitts on the merchandise!" he taunted, his
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