Sorry, I Own This Place

Over the weekend, I went with my best friend to one of the premium auto shops owned by my company to get her car serviced. Just as we were about to leave, someone stopped me and ordered me to wipe down her car.

I explained that I didn't work there, but she got angry anyway. She flipped a 10-cent coin at my face.

"Consider it an honor that I'm letting you wash my car. A broke girl like you has probably never even seen a luxury car in her life! I'm trying to broaden your horizons, and you're not even grateful?"

I shot back, "You're right. I've never met a car owner who can only spare 10 cents. Consider my horizons broadened."

She exploded on the spot. "Do you even know who I am? The chairman of the Penzo Group is my mother-in-law! Scared now?"

I paused for a beat, then calmly called Leo Penzo.

"I hear your mother went behind my back and found you a new wife?"

I had just stepped out of the lab when my best friend Carmen Ramsay called.

"Samantha, come with me to the North District premium auto shop. The car I sent in two days ago is ready, and we can grab a meal afterward."

I suddenly remembered that the acquisition task my mother assigned me for the Lestade HQ was also in the North District, so I agreed without hesitation.

"Sure, I'm on my way."

A few minutes later, we met at the shop.

While Carmen handled the paperwork, I stood by the entrance, bored and waiting for her.

"Hey, you there." A voice came from somewhere behind me.

I turned and saw a woman in a flashy short skirt, her makeup so shiny it might as well reflect light. She lifted her chin at me.

Pointing at a brand-new red sports car beside her, she barked, "Wash my car. Now."

My brows knit instinctively, and I explained, "I don't work here."

She let out a cold laugh, rummaged through her designer purse for a long moment, then pulled out a single 10 cent coin and tossed it at me.

The coin bounced lightly off me and clattered onto the ground with a crisp ring.

"Consider it an honor that I'm letting you wash it!"

She jabbed a finger so close it nearly hit my nose, her spit flying with every word.

"Look at you—you look dirt poor. Have you even touched the steering wheel of a car like this in your life? I'm trying to broaden your horizons, and you're not grateful?"

People around us immediately stopped to watch. Those who didn't know what was happening pointed at me and whispered.

"Is she trying to scam her? She picked the wrong target today."

"Look at her—she's dressed like a janitor."

"Maybe she's cosplaying."

…

I had rushed out too quickly, still wearing faded everyday clothes and old sneakers. I definitely stood out among all these luxury cars, but I had no intention of explaining myself.

Carmen finished her paperwork and saw a crowd forming around me. Her expression darkened, and she was about to rush over when I stopped her with a look.

I bent down and picked up the dusty coin from the ground.

Holding it between my fingers, I met the woman's provocative stare. "You're right. I've never seen anything like this. Especially a car owner who can only spare 10 cents for a car wash. I've truly… learned something new today."