He would make her understand her proper place in the world where he stood at the top.

Meanwhile, Jessica sat serenely beside young Kevin, handing him her documents for review. Kevin glanced nervously at Richard’s still piercing gaze, but Jessica offered him a reassuring smile. It’s okay. Please, carry on.

Kevin nodded and returned to his work, though the tension spreading through the showroom was palpable. Some customers whispered among themselves and the sales staff exchanged anxious looks. Richard remained standing there, his eyes ice cold and his lips pressed into a tight line. He could not accept that a stranger like Jessica could appear and unsettle him in the territory he considered exclusively his own.

That dissatisfaction hardened into a detailed plan in his mind. What he would do next to force her to bow. Jessica remained calm as if nothing had happened, but deep inside she knew her clash with Richard was only beginning. From this moment on, he would stop at nothing to humiliate her and drive her from the showroom in shame.

Yet, Jessica also knew she was ready. No longer the vulnerable woman she once was. And this was only the beginning.

From the moment Jessica stepped away from the VIP section, Richard Preston couldn’t take his eyes off her. His sharp gaze followed her every step with growing irritation. As if her calm composure were the greatest challenge to the pride he held so dear. Richard’s companions noticed his rising anger and exchanged knowing smiles, encouraging him to act.

After all, Richard had never been one to accept defeat lightly. Realizing he couldn’t simply shame Jessica with words alone, Richard immediately conceived a subtler, more insidious plan. He would undermine her credibility indirectly, using the sales staff. People he assumed would eagerly side with a wealthy customer like himself.

In his mind, a few pointed insinuations, a few vague accusations would be enough to turn Jessica from an ordinary buyer into a suspicious figure in everyone’s eyes. Leaning casually against the display, Richard raised his champagne glass to his lips, then lowered his voice just enough for the nearby sales people to overhear.

"I’m not sure why they’re letting unfamiliar faces wander around today. I just saw that woman in the hoodie lingering by the Rolls-Royces for ages. Seems a bit odd, don’t you think? Maybe you should keep an eye on her." His tone was polite, almost concerned, but his words were a sharp lance.

The staff glanced immediately toward Jessica. Though nobody had seen her do anything wrong, suspicion from a customer as wealthy as Richard was more than enough to make them wary. Satisfied, Richard watched their reactions with a faint smile. To him, power wasn’t just about wealth.

It was about manipulating others, planting baseless doubts with finesse. He knew that once the staff felt even a hint of uncertainty, Jessica would start to feel the pressure without him lifting another finger. Sure enough, the atmosphere shifted. As Jessica made her way back to Kevin Miller’s desk, the sales people skirted around her cautiously, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease.

Other customers began whispering among themselves, noting the sight of this unassuming woman who seemed out of place amid the luxury. Jessica noticed the change but remained composed, calmly completing her purchase paperwork with Kevin. Kevin, who had been cheerful and at ease moments before, now hesitated, aware of Richard’s disapproving stare and the uneasy looks from his colleagues. Yet, Jessica’s gentle, respectful demeanor reassured him.

Miss Barnes, your financing has been approved. Kevin said softly, striving for normalcy. We just need your signature to finalize the contract. Jessica nodded and smiled as she picked up the pen.

She refused to let invisible pressure shake her poise. Still, she knew Richard wouldn’t stop here. He stood not far away, his eyes full of resentment as he plotted his next move. True to form, Richard wasn’t about to concede.

He approached a young security guard, Mark Evans, stationed near the showroom entrance. With a grave expression, he leaned in. Hey there, I think you should keep a closer watch on that woman over there. I’m not saying she’s up to anything, but she’s been circling those expensive cars in a strange way.

This showroom is for high-end clients, right? Mark, inexperienced and eager to please, nodded earnestly. Richard, pleased, turned back to watch Jessica, who had just signed the contract. Jessica stood and stretched lightly, fully aware of the tense gazes around her, but utterly unperturbed.

She had faced situations like this countless times and understood that true strength lay not in an angry rebuttal, but in steadfast dignity and self-respect. She caught Richard’s eye for a brief moment and offered him a courteous nod, silently conveying, "I know exactly what you’re doing, and I’m ready." Richard’s brow furrowed, his hand tightening around his champagne glass. Jessica’s serenity unnerved him once more.

He realized his petty tactics had failed to rattle her. If he wanted to diminish her, he’d have to escalate. The showroom’s tension was taut as a drawn bowstring. One more move from Richard and everything would snap.

Jessica remained calm, patiently awaiting his next challenge. For her, this battle wasn’t just about personal honor, it was proof of the real power of dignity and self-worth.

The moment Jessica’s eyes left Richard and returned to the young salesperson, Kevin, she immediately sensed something was off in the showroom. The staff around her were whispering among themselves, some discreetly glancing her way with looks of unease. Jessica recognized exactly what was happening. Richard Preston had begun leveraging his power and influence to steer the situation, making things even more uncomfortable for her.

Richard didn’t bother hiding his dissatisfaction at seeing Jessica remain calm and unshaken by the spiteful insinuations he’d planted. He raised a hand and motioned to a nearby receptionist.

In a low, icy tone, he said clearly, "Please, have the store manager, Mr. Daniel Hartley, come out here immediately. I want to address the issue of that woman." The receptionist looked startled but nodded quickly, picking up the phone to call his office.