181The crowd of onlookers had swelled to about 15 employees who had gathered in the parking lot during their lunch break, drawn by the commotion. News had quickly spread through the office grapevine that Dorian Chernin was confronting some intruder who had parked in his designated spot. No one want

183Dorian, now visibly shaking, couldn't believe the turn of events. "No way, no way he's the big shot," he muttered under his breath, unable to reconcile the Darius he knew with the owner of the company. His disbelief was so strong, it pushed him to speak out, "There's been some mistake. He—he's a

185Murmurs and whispers fluttered through the crowd like leaves in a storm. "Is he really going to refuse?" one voice whispered, tinged with shock."He's done for," another muttered, the words carrying a weight of certainty.The crowd buzzed with renewed intensity, their voices creating a layered s

187“Everyone, please return to your duties,” Jenna said, her voice calm yet commanding. “I’m sure you all have much to ponder after what transpired here today. Mr. West and I have some matters to discuss. Carry on with your work, and let this be a lesson in avoiding hasty judgments.”The crowd disp

189The man scoffed and rolled his eyes, calling Darius’s bluff, “That’s a blatant lie if I ever heard one,” the store owner eyed him and sneered.“I’ve been an antique collector and expert for a good number of years, probably even while you were still in diapers!” he taunted him.The subtle jab was