Chapter 5

The doors swiftly opened.

Seven or eight grim-faced men and women in dark suits stepped out, their movements precise and confident as they strode toward the showroom entrance.

Each wore a subtle, elegant badge on their lapel – the exclusive emblem of the Haitian Group.

Leading them was a stern-faced middle-aged man with sharp eyes, radiating an unquestionable aura of authority.

This was Director Thompson, Head of the Inspection Department.

Director Thompson’s appearance made the onlookers and employees in the showroom instantly sober up, their faces paling.

Employees instinctively straightened their postures.

An invisible tension and suppression filled the air.

Director Thompson ignored everyone in his path.

His gaze swept quickly across the showroom, finally locking onto me.

He swiftly moved through the crowd, heading directly to me, and bowed slightly.

“Mr. Thorne, Director Thompson, Head of the Haitian Group’s Inspection Department, reporting for duty with my team.”

“Mr. Thor… Mr. Thorne?!”

A collective gasp filled the air.

Daniel heard the title, then saw Director Thompson’s utterly deferential attitude. His mind buzzed, and a sense of foreboding washed over him.

Vanessa also froze, her mind unable to process it.

She angrily pointed at Director Thompson and shrieked:

“Who are you people? Who let you in?!”

Director Thompson paid no attention to the flailing Vanessa.

He turned to face the entire room, his voice loud and clear.

“By the highest directive from Haitian Group Headquarters, effective immediately, we are initiating a Level One Audit and Operations Compliance Raid on the Jiangcheng branch of the Haitian Auto Club!”

“All accounts, systems, and vehicles are to be sealed for investigation. All relevant personnel, please cooperate with our inquiry!”

Highest directive! Level One Audit! Surprise Inspection!

Every word hit Daniel like a heavy hammer to his chest.

His legs turned to jelly; he could barely stand. Cold sweat instantly drenched his back.

Why would Headquarters suddenly conduct an audit?

Vanessa, at this point, still hadn't grasped the severity of the situation. She sneered.

“What a load of rubbish, ‘Inspection Department.’ Don’t pretend to be important. I bet Mr. Thorne hired you actors! You’re pretty good at it, but you won’t scare me!”

She dramatically yelled, trying to assert control.

“This isn’t a place for your nonsense. Security! Security! Are you all dead? Get them out of here!”

However, the security guards behind her exchanged glances, their feet rooted to the spot.

Their faces showed hesitation and awe.

They had seen Headquarters’ inspection team before.

Director Thompson had even visited once during the opening.

Although he was always polite during previous inspections and training, his unspoken authority had deeply impressed them.

This time, the Inspection Department clearly meant business. Who would dare lay a hand on them?

Vanessa saw that she couldn't even command the security guards and instantly became furious.

“You useless good-for-nothings! What do I pay you for? Move it now! I’ll take responsibility if anything goes wrong!”

Daniel was terrified. He yanked Vanessa’s arm, his voice trembling.

“Stop yelling! They’re really from Headquarters’ Inspection Department! This has really blown up now!”

Vanessa flinched, the rest of her words catching in her throat.

At that moment, she finally realized the situation was far more serious than she’d imagined.

But, like an arrow shot from a bow, there was no turning back.

Even so, she still forced herself to act calm, sticking her neck out.

“Che… inspection? What right do you have to inspect? Do you have a document? Let me see it!”

Director Thompson scoffed, took a document from his assistant, and displayed it directly in front of Vanessa and Daniel.

It was clearly an investigation letter issued by the Group CEO’s office, with a distinct red seal.

“Before the full audit begins, Manager Reed, we need to discuss the legality of the $500,000 you currently hold.”

Director Thompson waved his hand, and an assistant brought over a tablet.

The screen displayed a scanned copy of the receipt Vanessa had signed.

“Ms. Reed, according to the payment confirmation form you personally signed, you collected $500,000 cash from Mr. Thorne, under the names of Supreme Fine Diagnostic Fee, Exhaust System Acoustic Enhancement, Engine Spiritual Balance Calibration, and compensation for emotional distress.”