Hera encourages Athena to expedite the pickup process so they can depart from the premises swiftly. Fortunately, Minerva refrains from engaging them in a confrontation for Jess’s assistance and instead heads directly to the store’s office. Whatever she’s up to in there remains a mystery to the two of them, but their agenda isn’t contingent upon Minerva’s actions.
After Athena provided the necessary information to Jess, he promptly headed to the indoor garage housing the pre-ordered cars and those avable for test drives. After 10 minutes psed without his return, they spected he might be encountering difficulties locating the car or arranging logistics. However, as an additional 20 minutes passed without any sign of Jess, concerns arose that something unforeseen might have urred. Consequently, Hera and Athena decided to take matters into their own hands and check the situation firsthand.
Athena had previously visited the store with her father to inspect the cars in the showroom and ce their order, so she was already familiar with the location of the inner garage. Confident in her knowledge, she led Hera there without hesitation.
Even before they reached the entrance to the inner garage, they could hear Jess’s voice, filled with distress and almost pleading. Sensing that something serious had urred, they exchanged a meaningful nce before quickly dashing to get a closer look at what was happening inside.
As they entered, they found Jess with outstretched arms, guarding the Bugatti Chiron and preventing anyone from approaching it, while earnestly pleading with the three individuals in front of him.
"Manager, you understand this car was pre-ordered. We can’t allow others to touch it, much less do a test drive." Jess reasoned with his manager, who was already holding the car keys.
As he reached the inner garage, Jess found the store manager already showcasing the car to Minerva and Alexi. Minerva was visibly thrilled, squealing in excitement as she circled the car she desired. Nodding enthusiastically to herself, she seemed fully satisfied with the color and design, deeming it perfect for her taste.
Had Jess arrived a momentter, the store manager might have already handed the car over to Minerva. How could he let such a breach ur? It was a direct order from the general manager to safeguard the cars in garage A and prohibit any test drives, as they were reserved for influential clients. Jess couldn’t ascertain whether the store manager had overlooked the notice or if he was simply trying to curry favor with yet another affluent customer, as was his habit. Regardless of the rationale behind his actions, it was bound to spell trouble for them.
He couldn’t help but wonder how the client had learned about the specific car, considering it had been sent directly to their shop via express courier from the manufacturer. Typically, such arrangements would be made through their partnering car shipping service.
He no longer wished to dwell on the situation. Since his arrival, he had been attempting to reason with his manager, but he couldn’t even gauge how much time had passed. His main concern was the owner growing impatient and potentially filing aint against him. He felt utterly trapped, caught between a rock and a hard ce.
"Why are you so concerned? We’ll simply file for another order and inform the original purchaser that there was a dy in shipment, prolonging the delivery," the store manager remarked smugly, disying no hint of concern. He continued confidently, "Plus, the owner hasn’t arrived yet. Miss Briley here was prepared to purchase this car for double the amount. Wouldn’t it benefit thepany to earn more?"
Hera and Athena listened in disbelief, while Jess was stunned to hear the wordsing from his manager’s mouth. <i>’Has he been doing this for a long time?’</i> Jess wondered. Suddenly, a realization struck him. They had been inundated withints at this branch about dyed pre-orders, far more than at other branches. Despite speaking with their shipping partner, who assured them they followed protocols and the contract meticulously, the root of the problem remained unknown.
Jess had only be aware of this situation because the store manager was frequently absent. When he was present, Jess was often either on his day off or out in the field inspecting the delivered cars to ensure they met quality standards. While it was typically the store manager’s responsibility to conduct these checks, he often delegated the most crucial tasks and sensitive matters to Jess. If Jess declined, there was no one else to assume responsibility. Moreover, whenever issues arose, the store manager was quick to shift the me onto Jess. Feeling trapped in this dynamic, Jess found himself effectively enved to his superior’s whims.
Jess couldn’t believe that the store manager’s wrongdoing extended to attempting to profit by reselling cars at inted prices. "I think I’m going to lose my mind!" he muttered to himself in frustration. Although he had considered reporting his manager’szy management, he hesitated due to the store manager’s connections with one of thepany directors. Being just a regr assistant manager, Jess felt fortunate to have climbed as far as he had at his age. However, he also realized hecked a powerful backer. Any misstep could easily lead to his dismissal.
"Store manager, Miss Briley could simply ce an order for the same model if she truly admires it," Jess suggested, attempting to offer a resolution.
"Why should I wait indefinitely? Who knows how long it will take? I’m prepared to pay double the amount, yet you still refuse? Isn’t this just business?" Minerva retorted angrily.
"Miss Briley, we adhere to a firste, first-served protocol, not an auction where the highest bidder prevails. Please understand," Jess calmly exined.
"Shut up, Jess! Just move out of my way!" the store manager snapped, forcefully pushing Jess aside.
"Wow! What an enlightening disy!" Athena remarked with heavy sarcasm as they approached, her voice dripping with irony as she sarcastically pped her hands in slow motion.