Chapter 3

3

I looked at Barnaby Thorne's fake, benevolent face and suddenly let out a cold laugh.

"Knowing when to back down? I'm afraid I'm not as flexible as you are, Mr. Thorne."

Three days ago, this same face looked completely different in my office.

Back then, he was practically in tears, telling my manager how his dealership's cash flow had dried up. He said suppliers were breathing down his neck and he couldn't even pay his staff. He begged the bank for a lifeline loan.

As the Branch President, I had watched his pathetic display from the second-floor balcony.

He had bowed so low his head nearly hit the floor. He was a different man from the confident boss standing before me now.

It was only because he seemed so desperate that I had signaled my subordinates to approve his application.

He had left full of gratitude, never knowing that the person who made the final call was the man standing right in front of him.

Perhaps my expression was too unexpected, because Mr. Thorne's brow furrowed. He finally sensed that something was off.

His eyes darted around, and he quickly put back on his peacemaker mask.

"Oh, Mr. Sterling, look at this mess. There must have been a breakdown in our internal communication. I'm sorry you're upset."

He acted grandly as he pulled five hundred dollars from his suit pocket.

"Tell you what. This five hundred is from me personally to cover your travel and your time today."

"Let's just call today a misunderstanding and move on, okay?"

His tone was casual, as if he were shooing away a minor annoyance.

I scoffed. "Five hundred bucks? Do you think I'm a beggar, Mr. Thorne?"

Officer Miller stepped forward. "Mr. Sterling, since the contract evidence is currently not in your favor, maybe you should consider mediation."

"A car dispute is a civil matter. You can pursue it through the legal system, and I'll make sure to file a report on what happened today."

I looked at Officer Miller. The young man was just doing his job and trying to look out for me.

For his sake, I nodded and decided to take a temporary step back.

"Fine. Since the Officer suggests it..."

Seeing me soften, Mr. Thorne's brief moment of worry vanished.

"There we go! Peace is profitable! However..."

He gave the salesman a look.

"We need something in writing. Mr. Sterling, I'll need you to sign a quick waiver."

"Just a statement saying this matter is settled and you won't pursue any further claims against us."

"Mr. Thorne, that's a bit much, don't you think?"

Officer Miller's face darkened.

Mr. Thorne just waved him off. "It's voluntary, Officer. If Mr. Sterling has nothing to hide, why wouldn't he sign it?"

The salesman quickly grabbed a sheet of paper and a pen from the reception desk.

I didn't take it. I scanned the desk and picked up a regular black pen sitting there.

I remembered they had used this exact pen when I signed the contract.

"I'll use this one."