Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Effie said coolly, “Even if I had money, I wouldn't buy from you. And you can forget about getting the commission."

"You" The salesman's face turned red with anger.

Just then, another saleswoman approached. She smiled warmly at Effie. "Ladies, if you don't mind, perhaps you could tell me what kind of car you're interested in, or what you'll be using it for, as well as your ideal price range. I'd be happy to help you find something suitable."

Effie nodded. "Sure."

The male salesman shot the woman a sharp look. "Lenora, are you sure you want to take this one?"

Lenora's friendly smile faltered for a moment. She glanced at him and replied, "Hanson, it didn't seem like your conversation with the customers was going very well. I just thought I'd help take some of the pressure off you."

Hanson gave a derisive snort. "You're new here you think you need to take the pressure off me? Just don't come running to me for help later when things go south."

Lenora forced a polite smile, then led Effie and her grandmother away from the sales floor.

She showed them several cars and explained their features as Effie's grandmother test drove a couple of them.

While her grandmother was occupied, Effie pulled Lenora aside and spoke in a low voice, "When my grandmother asks about the price, just tell her it's a bit cheaper—say, around twenty thousand. I'll make up the difference for you. Just mention some kind of special discount to make it believable for her."

Lenora hesitated but nodded. "I'll do my best."

A few minutes later, Effie's grandmother called out, "Effie, these two are both quite nice. Which one do you think is better?"

Effie replied, "I think they're both great, but this one seems to suit you better."

Lenora chimed in, "This is a hybrid. The electric motor kicks in when you're driving at low speeds or starting up, which takes some of the load off the engine and helps you save on gas..."

Even though they'd looked at several cars and hadn't made up their minds yet, Lenora remained patient, explaining everything thoroughly and never once losing her composure.

In the end, Effie made the decision and settled on a fifty-thousand-dollar model.

As Lenora led Effie to the cashier's desk to sign the paperwork, Hanson stepped in to block their way.

"Hold on. Did you say she's going for the fifty-thousand-dollar domestic model?"

Effie shot him a chilly glance. "Sorry, I can't afford imported, but the domestic ones are well within my budget."

Hanson's face flushed, then went pale-like he'd just been slapped.

"Lenora, come here a second."

Lenora's smile stiffened, and she looked at him, clearly reluctant.

She'd heard the rumors: Hanson was notorious for stealing sales from his colleagues.

Hanson seemed to guess what she was thinking and sneered, "Fine. Just wait."noveldrama

It wasn't until he walked away that Lenora let out a discreet sigh of relief. She turned to Effie, apologetic. “Miss Bagnold, I'm sorry you had to witness that."

Effie waved it off. "Don't worry about it. Is he always like this?"

Lenora's eyes flickered. She didn't want to say too much in front of a customer-no sense in dragging down the whole dealership's reputation. She just smiled. It's not so bad, really."

A voice called out, “Lenora, the contract printer's down. The manager needs you in the office."

"Huh?"

“I'll..... I'll head over right now." Lenora offered Effie an apologetic smile and hurried away.

No sooner had Lenora left than Hanson returned. Wearing a fake smile, he approached Effie. “Miss

Yold, let me help you finalize

your purchase."

“Miss Bagnold, would you be interested in financing? We're offering some great

rates right now-zero down payment, low interest-"

Effie raised a hand, cutting him off. "Hold it right there."