“What behavior?”
“Customers returning without lawyers.”
Laughter.
Even Martin smiled.
Simone continued.
“Profit matters.”
“I like profit.”
“Anyone who tells you otherwise should not own dealerships.”
More laughter.
“But profit earned by making people regret trusting you is borrowed money.”
“Eventually the bill arrives.”
Cassandra stood at back.
Expression unreadable.
Simone finished.
“One more thing.”
“I grew up around people who cleaned cars.”
“Fixed cars.”
“Moved cars.”
“Stayed after salespeople went home.”
“If you believe any job in this building makes someone beneath you, you will struggle here.”
The room became quiet again.
Not hostile.
Listening.
Simone stepped down.
The announcement ended.
Then a woman approached.
Twenty-six maybe.
Brown hair tied back.
Sales associate badge.
“Nina Patel.”
Simone shook her hand.
“Simone.”
Nina looked nervous.
“I know.”
Simone smiled.
“What can I do for you?”
Nina looked around.
Then lowered voice.
“Can I show you something?”
Simone’s instincts sharpened.
“Now?”
“If possible.”
They went into empty consultation room.
Nina closed door.
Then opened her phone.
Screenshots.
Customer messages.
One said:
I asked three times to cancel the protection package. Nobody returns my calls.
Another:
Why does my contract show $4,995 when salesperson told me $2,500?
Another:
Finance said bank required warranty. Bank says it didn’t.
Simone looked up.
“How did you get these?”