He had experienced this kind of treatment before.
People often made assumptions about him because of his clothes.
He had learned that arguing rarely changed their minds.
So he returned his attention to his phone.
That only made Brandon angrier.
"Hey! I'm talking to you!"
Ethan slowly looked up again.
"I heard you."
"Then stand up."
Ethan sighed and stood.
He was not particularly tall, and his simple clothes made him look even more ordinary.
Brandon stepped closer.
"Now tell me what's in that bag."
Ethan looked down at it.
"Something valuable."
Brandon laughed loudly.
"Valuable? That old thing?"
Ethan did not respond.
Brandon turned toward Kevin.
"Did you hear that? Apparently, we've got a millionaire sitting at our entrance."
Kevin smiled awkwardly.
He was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the situation.
But Brandon was enjoying himself.
He believed he had discovered someone who could be easily intimidated.
He had no idea how wrong he was.
CHAPTER 2: THE MAN IN THE EXPENSIVE SUIT
At that exact moment, a black luxury sedan pulled up outside the shopping center.
The rear door opened.
A middle-aged man stepped out.
His name was Alexander Bennett.
He was fifty-two years old, with neatly styled silver hair and a confident expression. He wore a perfectly tailored navy suit, a white shirt, and polished black shoes.
A luxury watch rested on his wrist.
His appearance immediately attracted attention.
A receptionist near the entrance recognized him.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Bennett."
Alexander nodded.
"Good afternoon."
He walked toward the main entrance while speaking on his phone.
"Yes, I'm here. Tell the team I'll be there in five minutes."
He ended the call.
Then he looked through the glass doors.
He noticed a young man standing near the entrance.
His eyes widened slightly.
"Ethan?"
Ethan turned.
"Mr. Bennett!"
Alexander smiled.
He approached quickly.
"I've been looking for you."
"Sorry, sir. I arrived a little earlier."
Alexander glanced at the old duffel bag.
"You brought it?"
"Yes."
"Excellent."
Brandon watched the interaction.
His attitude changed immediately.
He recognized Alexander.
Almost everyone who worked in the shopping center knew who he was.
Alexander Bennett was not merely a wealthy customer.
He was the chairman of Bennett Holdings, a major investment company with interests in luxury properties, retail businesses, and international trading.
His company owned several commercial properties in the city.
And the shopping center itself was one of his most important investments.
Brandon quickly straightened his uniform.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Bennett!"
Alexander barely acknowledged him.
He was focused on Ethan.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Let's go inside."
But Brandon stepped forward.
"Mr. Bennett, may I ask you something?"
Alexander looked at him.
"What is it?"
"This young man was sitting near the entrance with a suspicious bag. We were just checking the situation."
Alexander frowned.
"Suspicious?"
Brandon nodded.
"Yes, sir. He refused to explain what was inside."
Alexander looked at Ethan.
Then he looked at the bag.
Finally, he turned toward Brandon.
"Do you know who he is?"
Brandon hesitated.
"No, sir."
"Then perhaps you should listen before making assumptions."
Brandon swallowed.
"Of course, sir."
Alexander placed one hand on Ethan's shoulder.
"This young man is the reason I personally came here today."
Brandon looked confused.
Ethan simply smiled.