"Shall we go, sir?"
Alexander nodded.
"Absolutely."
But before they could move, Brandon made another mistake.
CHAPTER 3: THE BAG THAT EVERYONE MOCKED
Brandon stepped toward the old bag.
"Sir, company policy requires us to inspect large bags when necessary."
Alexander looked at him.
"Is that so?"
"Yes, sir."
Ethan calmly replied.
"I don't mind showing the contents, provided we're following the proper procedure."
Brandon nodded.
"Then open it."
Ethan placed the bag on a nearby table.
He carefully unzipped the main compartment.
At first, Brandon saw nothing unusual.
There were several layers of dark protective fabric inside.
The bag appeared to contain something heavy.
Kevin stepped closer.
"What's that?"
Ethan looked at him.
"Something that needs to be handled carefully."
Brandon laughed.
"Stop making it sound mysterious."
Ethan slowly folded back the protective fabric.
A metallic reflection appeared beneath it.
Brandon leaned forward.
His smile disappeared.
Kevin's eyes widened.
Inside the bag were several rectangular objects wrapped in protective material.
They were arranged carefully in separate compartments.
Ethan removed the first covering.
A bright golden surface appeared.
Then another.
And another.
The objects were gold bars.
Not small decorative pieces.
Not cheap metal souvenirs.
They were substantial bars of refined gold, each carrying identification markings and certification labels.
The sunlight reflected across their surfaces.
Brandon stepped backward.
"What... is that?"
Ethan calmly answered.
"Gold."
Kevin stared at the bag.
Brandon looked at Alexander.
Then back at Ethan.
"Where did you get that?"
Alexander's expression hardened.
"That's none of your business unless there is a legitimate security concern."
Brandon struggled to respond.
"But..."
Alexander interrupted.
"These items are documented, insured, and being transferred under a scheduled company procedure."
Ethan reached into his pocket and removed a small document folder.
He placed it beside the bag.
Inside were certificates, transport authorization papers, and official documentation identifying the gold.
Brandon looked at the paperwork.
His face became pale.
The young man he had treated like a suspicious stranger was carrying a collection of valuable assets belonging to one of the most influential investment groups in the country.
And Alexander Bennett was personally accompanying him.
The situation had changed completely.
CHAPTER 4: THE SHOCKING REVELATION
Alexander looked at Brandon.
"Now, would you like to explain why my colleague was treated this way?"
Brandon immediately became nervous.
"Mr. Bennett, I was only following security procedures."
"Which procedures?"
"Checking suspicious visitors."
Alexander glanced at Ethan.
"What exactly made him suspicious?"
Brandon hesitated.
"The bag, sir."
Alexander looked down at the old leather bag.
Then he looked at Brandon.
"So an old bag makes someone suspicious?"
Brandon did not answer.
Alexander continued.
"What about his clothes?"
Brandon looked uncomfortable.
"I didn't say anything about his clothes."
Ethan finally spoke.
"Actually, you did."
Brandon turned toward him.
Ethan remained calm.
"You said people who belong here usually don't look like me."
Kevin lowered his eyes.
Alexander's expression became serious.
"Is that true?"
Brandon swallowed.
"Sir, I may have chosen my words poorly."
Ethan zipped the bag halfway.
"I understand that security has responsibilities. I have no problem with someone checking documents or following reasonable procedures."
He paused.
"But there's a difference between checking someone and humiliating them."
Alexander nodded.
"Exactly."
Brandon tried to apologize.