Sophia whispered:
"Why?"
Elena answered:
"Because Adrian wanted to know something."
"What?"
Elena looked directly at Richard.
"How his dealership treats someone who doesn't look rich."
Richard suddenly became defensive.
"This is ridiculous."
Elena said nothing.
Victor looked at him.
"Richard."
"What?"
"Let her finish."
Richard shook his head.
"You can't seriously believe this."
Victor did not answer.
Elena reached into her pocket again.
This time she pulled out a folded letter.
She handed it to Victor.
He opened it.
His hands began to shake.
The letter was signed by Adrian Sterling.
Elena Brooks is authorized to evaluate the customer experience at Sterling Apex Motors without prior notice.
Victor read the next paragraph.
Then looked at Richard.
"Keep reading."
Victor continued.
"The evaluation is confidential. No employee will be informed beforehand."
Richard's face became pale.
Sophia stepped backward.
Victor continued.
"Any employee who judges a customer based on appearance, clothing, perceived wealth, race, age, or social status will be subject to immediate review."
The room became silent.
Elena folded her arms.
Richard looked furious.
"So you came here to trick us."
"No."
"You came here pretending to be poor."
"No."
"You knew exactly what would happen."
Elena shook her head.
"I didn't know."
Richard frowned.
"Then why are you doing this?"
Elena looked at him.
"Because Adrian asked me to."
Victor whispered:
"Why would he choose you?"
Elena smiled.
"Because I know what it feels like to be ignored."
Richard rolled his eyes.
"Here we go."
Elena looked at the cars.
"When I was sixteen, my mother worked two jobs."
Nobody spoke.
"I used to wait for her outside a dealership where she cleaned offices at night."
She paused.
"One evening, I walked into the showroom because I was cold."
Her eyes lowered.
"The manager told me to leave."
Victor looked uncomfortable.
Elena continued.
"I never forgot how it felt."
Richard scoffed.
"So now you want revenge?"
"No."
"What then?"