Chapter 384
Effie turned to leave with her grandmother in tow.
But when Hanson heard they were planning to buy from another dealership, he grew agitated and rushed to block their way.
“What do you want from us?” Effie’s voice was cold and steady. “You won’t let us make a purchase, so we’re leaving. If you keep blocking me, I’ll call the police.”
She pulled out her phone, but Hanson lunged, trying to snatch it from her hand.
Lenora, who witnessed the scene, shot a nervous glance at the man standing behind them. “Manager, this is getting out of hand, isn’t it?”
The manager replied curtly, “Lenora, stay out of it.”
Still, Lenora hesitated only a moment before instinctively hurrying toward Effie.
Just then, a man appeared at the entrance, his voice ringing out, “Hold on! Is this really how you treat customers? All of you-stop this right now!”
Effie recognized the man and gave him a polite nod. “Mr. Patterson.”
“Designer Bagnold, I’m sorry-I was in a meeting. As soon as I saw your message, I came straight here.”
Effie nodded slightly and said, “Since you’d invited me to help design for your company, I thought I’d give you my business as well. I never expected to run into something like this…”
Mr. Patterson’s expression darkened as he turned to the manager. “Marlin, care to explain what’s going on here?”
He’d long heard whispers that employees in the dealership were pulling tricks on customers, but every time he checked the security footage, he found nothing conclusive. The matter had been left unresolved-until Effie’s message brought him running today. And sure enough, he’d caught them in the act.
Marlin, the manager, stiffened. Hanson, looking panicked, glanced over at Marlin. “Uncle, what do we do?”
“Oh, just shut your mouth!” Marlin snapped, teeth clenched.
Things were bad enough already; now, thanks to Hanson’s outburst, his own involvement was as clear as day.
“Boss, please, listen to me. We’re from the same town-don’t believe what some outsider says.”
“Then why don’t you explain what happened?” Mr. Patterson’s voice was icy.
“I… well—”
“That’s enough! I trust what I saw with my own eyes. Both of you get out. You’re fired!”
He turned to Effie, his tone
softening. “I’m sorry you had to go through that. Please, let me make it
up toyou-dinner’s on mot
and your grandmother.”
Effie blinked and smiled. “Dinner isn’t necessary. Maybe just give me a discount instead?”
Mr. Patterson burst out laughing, agreeing at once.
Effie then pointed to Lenora. “Mr. Patterson, you really shouldn’t overlook talent. Lenora here might be new, but she has an excellent attitude and knows her stuff. No matter which car we asked about, she had all the details at her fingertips. Honestly, her knowledge is impressive.”
Lenora blushed, surprised by the praise.
SS Bagnold, you’re toone
kind. I’m just doing my job-a good salesperson should know every detail about the cars we sell.”
Mr. Patterson threw a few tough questions Lenora’s way, but she answered them
all with confidence and clarity.
He nodded in approval. “Well, not only did I root out the bad apples today, but I also discovered a real gem.”
“Thank you, Designer Bagnold,” Mr. Patterson said, turning back to Effie.
“No, no, I should be thanking you—I saved a bundle today,” Effie quipped, her easygoing charm making Mr. Patterson laugh out loud.