Chapter 3

$280,000? That’s less than what I spend on an average day.

What truly infuriated me wasn’t the money, but Daniel’s revolting ingratitude!

“The money, I can pay!”

The moment I spoke, Vanessa’s face lit up with a triumphant, victorious smile.

Daniel visibly relaxed, as if the matter was finally over.

“But…”

I sharply changed my tone, my voice suddenly rising.

“You’ll have to explain this $280,000 bill clearly, item by item, every single charge!”

Vanessa immediately pulled out a pre-prepared bill and read it aloud with a tone of boastful sarcasm.

“First, the Supreme Fine Diagnostic Fee. Our club uses genuine German imported analyzers, and our experts, all with ‘International Artisan Certifications,’ spend three hours on each inspection. The diagnostic fee is naturally charged at international standards.”

“Also, your car’s exhaust system had an anomaly affecting its acoustic aesthetics. We performed an ‘Italian Opera Tenor Resonating Chamber’ style upgrade, making the exhaust sound like Pavarotti’s voice—rich, powerful, and significantly enhancing its value.”

I almost thought I misheard her.

The three business partners who accompanied me twitched their mouths in disbelief.

Even Daniel awkwardly lowered his head.

Yet, she wasn’t finished. Vanessa’s claims grew even more preposterous.

“Finally, our technicians discovered your car’s turbocharger lacked dynamic balance. This isn't a common issue; it required a Swiss vacuum-environment precision calibrator, with remote guidance from headquarters experts, for a spiritual dynamic balance calibration to ensure perfect soul-level synergy between the turbo and engine.”

“What is this called? It’s called exclusive, top-tier service, understand?”

“In short, at the Haitian Auto Club, our prices are clearly marked, and we never scam anyone. It’s simply that you’re too unsophisticated, too sheltered, and that’s why you’re making such a fuss!”

Her last sentence was dripping with obvious contempt and humiliation.

My friend Mr. Jenkins couldn’t take it anymore. He stood up, trying to defuse the tension.

“Mr. Thorne, it’s getting late. Why don’t we leave first? I’ll cover the bill.”

I raised a hand, firmly stopping him. What had transpired wasn’t about money anymore.

I had brought my business partners here to introduce Daniel to my network and get my car serviced. Who knew I’d be publicly humiliated by Vanessa?

Forcing down my rage, I turned to my three business partners and apologized sincerely.

“My deepest apologies for making you witness such a ridiculous scene and ruining your evening. To make amends, I’ll book out ‘The Zenith Club’ this Saturday and host a new banquet for all of you.”

Almost immediately after I finished speaking, my friends’ phones chimed, receiving booking confirmations and notifications from “The Zenith Club.”

Mr. Jenkins, who had just offered to pay my bill, now had a look of shock and excitement plastered on his face.

Although they were all successful business owners, they weren’t exactly top-tier players in the truly exclusive circles.

“The Zenith Club” was a legendary, private club where big bosses gathered, never open to the public. You couldn’t get in with money alone; you needed serious connections.

And I had just secured it with a single message.

In that moment, any lingering doubt they had about me completely vanished. Their eyes, as they looked at me, now held a clear sense of respect.

I walked my friends to the club’s main entrance and watched their cars drive away.

It wasn't until their taillights disappeared that the smile vanished from my face, replaced by an icy coldness.

I turned around, ready to go back and clean house.

But Vanessa Reed, with two tall security guards, blocked the lobby entrance.

“Stop right there!”

Vanessa shrieked, pointing her finger at my nose and cursing.

“Trying to sneak away? Not a chance! You’re not taking another step out that door until you pay up!”

The two security guards moved forward in response, menacingly surrounding me.

I stopped, silently watching this absurd scene.

At the entrance of my own establishment, I was being blocked and demanded to pay a debt that shouldn’t even exist.

It was utterly laughable.