"To see whether money changes people."
She looked around.
"Adrian believes a luxury dealership should not sell cars."
Richard frowned.
"What does that mean?"
"It should sell trust."
Elena looked at the X9.
"A four-million-dollar car isn't special because it is expensive."
She paused.
"It is special because someone trusted you enough to buy it."
Then she turned toward the receptionist.
"How did you feel when I walked in?"
The young woman looked nervous.
"I..."
"Tell the truth."
The receptionist lowered her eyes.
"I thought you were lost."
Elena nodded.
"Thank you."
She looked toward Victor.
"That's exactly why I'm here."
The test should have ended there.
But Richard couldn't accept losing control.
He stepped forward.
"Fine."
Elena looked at him.
"Fine?"
"I'll admit you were authorized."
Victor warned:
"Richard."
But Richard continued.
"However, authorization doesn't mean you deserve a car."
Elena's expression changed.
"I never said I deserved one."
"You want the X9."
"I want to test-drive it."
Richard laughed.
"You don't even have proof of funds."
Elena stared at him.
"Do you ask every customer for proof before letting them sit in a car?"
"Yes."
Victor knew that was a lie.
Richard had allowed wealthy clients to test-drive cars after five minutes of conversation.
Some hadn't even provided identification.
Elena knew it too.
"Okay."
She reached into her bag.
"I'll pay for the test drive."
Richard smirked.
"With what?"
Elena pulled out a small envelope.
She opened it.
Coins spilled onto the marble floor.
Hundreds of them.
Quarters.
Dimes.
Nickels.
Pennies.
The coins scattered across the showroom.
Everyone stared.
Elena froze.
The envelope had torn.
Her face turned red.
She dropped to her knees.
"I'm sorry."
She began collecting the coins.
Sophia laughed.
Richard didn't.