The older man nodded.

"That's often what people say after they realize they've said exactly what they meant."

Daniel stared at him.

The receptionist looked away, pretending not to listen.

Daniel forced another smile.

"If you're not planning to purchase anything today, perhaps you should come back when one of our product specialists is available."

The man raised an eyebrow.

"Are you not a product specialist?"

"I am."

"Then why can't you help me?"

Daniel took a breath.

"Because I don't want to waste your time."

This time, the older man laughed.

It was not a loud laugh. It was almost sad.

"My time?"

"Yes."

"And what makes you think I'm wasting it?"

Daniel realized the conversation was getting away from him.

Before he could answer, Marcus approached.

"Everything all right?" Marcus asked.

"Fine," Daniel said quickly.

The older man looked at Marcus.

"Your colleague was explaining the dealership's rules to me."

Marcus glanced at Daniel.

Daniel immediately knew what the man was doing.

"He touched the Aurelia," Daniel said.

Marcus looked toward the car.

"Did you scratch it?"

"No," the older man answered.

"Then it's probably fine," Marcus said.

Daniel gave Marcus a sharp look.

The older man smiled again.

"Thank you."

Then he continued walking.

Daniel followed.

"Sir, I need to ask you to stop wandering into restricted areas."

The man had reached the far end of the showroom, where a large glass door separated the public area from the administrative offices.

He turned slowly.

"Restricted?"

"Yes."

The older man studied the door.

Then he looked back at Daniel.

"Do you know how long Sterling Motors has been operating?"

Daniel blinked.

"What?"

"Answer the question."

Daniel folded his arms.

"Thirty-two years."

"Thirty-three."

Daniel said nothing.

The man nodded toward the showroom.

"Do you know why this building was designed with so much glass?"

Daniel was becoming increasingly frustrated.

"Sir, if you're not here to buy a car—"

"Transparency," the man interrupted.

Daniel stared at him.

"That was the idea behind the design. No dark corners. No hidden treatment for different kinds of customers. Everyone who walks through those doors should feel welcome."

The man paused.

"At least, that was the original idea."

Daniel's jaw tightened.

"You seem to know a lot about this place."

"I do."

"How?"

The older man smiled.

"You never asked."

Then he reached into the inside pocket of his worn jacket.

Daniel immediately assumed he was looking for identification.

Instead, the man pulled out a small black access card.

Daniel watched as he walked toward the restricted glass door.

"Sir, you can't go in there."

The man ignored him.

He placed the card against the scanner.

A green light appeared.

There was a quiet click.

The glass door unlocked.

Daniel froze.

Employees needed special authorization to enter that section of the building. Even Daniel himself did not have access to every office.

The older man pushed the door open.

Then he turned around.

"Would you like to come inside?" he asked.

Daniel stared at the access card.

"Who are you?"

The man slipped it back into his pocket.