Chapter 8 - The Price of Arrogance
Marcus Vance straightened his spine instantly, nodding like a man whose execution had just been temporarily stayed. “Name your terms, Mr. Bennett. Anything.”
“First,” Thomas said, holding up a finger, “my daughter will be purchasing that Heritage GT right now. In full.”
“Of course, sir. Immediately,” Marcus agreed.
“Second,” Thomas continued, “the full sales commission for this vehicle—which I believe stands at roughly twelve percent of dealer margin, plus the manufacturer delivery bonus—will not be going to Derek Sloan. It will be credited entirely to Noah Evans.”
Noah gasped, his eyes widening in shock. “Mr. Bennett... that’s... that’s thousands of dollars! I haven’t even completed the sales certification exam!”
“You completed the only exam that matters today, Noah,” Claire said with a radiant smile. “You treated a person with kindness when you had nothing to gain from it. That’s worth more than any sales certificate.”
“Consider it done!” Marcus declared enthusiastically. “Noah is officially credited as the primary selling agent on the transaction!”
“Third,” Thomas added, his eyes narrowing slightly, “Derek Sloan’s personal termination file will note gross misconduct and intentional property damage. He will not receive a glowing recommendation to work at another dealership in this city to abuse more customers. And if I find out he attempts to file for unemployment benefits on your company’s dime, Marcus, I will personally audit every single vehicle floor-plan loan your group holds with my bank.”
Out in the parking lot, Derek was just loading his cardboard box into the trunk of his leased sedan. Through the open showroom doors, he could hear every single word. His shoulders slumped in total, devastating defeat. The very customer he had tried to humiliate had not only stripped him of his job, but had handed his biggest commission of the year to the humble detailer whose career Derek had spent two years actively suppressing.
Derek got into his car, started the engine, and drove away from Apex Luxury Motors in complete disgrace, knowing that every luxury dealership in the state would close its doors to him by sundown.
Thomas Bennett then reached into his suit jacket and pulled out his own black card—an identical twin to the one Claire had carried. He handed it directly to Noah.
“Noah, son, you’re going to walk behind that counter, set up the point-of-sale terminal, and swipe this card for the full purchase price of that red sports car.”
Noah’s hands trembled slightly as he took the heavy titanium card. For a young man working fifty hours a week while attending night school to support his mother, holding that card felt like holding the keys to an entirely new future.
“Yes, sir,” Noah said, his voice thick with emotion. “Right away, Mr. Bennett.”
Marcus Vance hurriedly walked Noah through the computer terminal, eager to demonstrate his cooperation. Within three minutes, the secure banking satellite connection chimed with a clear, resonant tone.
Transaction Approved.
The green light flashed on the screen. The bill of sale printed with a smooth, rhythmic hum.
Claire walked over to the counter and picked up the two jagged pieces of her ruined card. She looked down at them, not with anger, but with deep satisfaction.
“Dad,” Claire said, holding up the pieces. “I’m sorry I ruined your card.”
Thomas chuckled softly, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. “Sweetheart, that card was just a piece of metal. You showed that entire room what real Bennett pride looks like. Your grandfather used to say that money only amplifies what you already are. If you’re a fool, money makes you a bigger fool. If you’re generous, money lets you change lives.”
May you like
Thomas looked at the shining red sports car resting on the turntable.
“Now,” Thomas smiled, “are you going to tell me why you bought me a two-hundred-thousand-dollar German rocket when you know my back hurts in low bucket seats?”
