Elijah Schwarzenger Rises To Power

0009

CHING!!!

The sound of the elevators shutting behind Elijah and the manager echoed across the showroom garage. Drawn by an irresistible pull, Elijah walked directly toward the Mercedes EQS Sedan, his gaze fixated on the car. He didn't notice the people he passed, including Benjamin.

"Wow, it's even more beautiful up close," Elijah murmured, captivated by the car’s luxurious design that gleamed under the showroom lights.

"Is it okay if I touch it?" Elijah asked the manager, excitement evident in his voice. The manager nodded in approval almost immediately. "Of course, Mr. Elijah. As you promised us earlier, you'll pay double to triple the price for anything you buy from us. It's clear you're one of our country’s top influential people, and you are privileged to touch anything you want... even the Rolls-Royce Spectre ."

Across the garage, Benjamin was glued to the sight of the Rolls-Royce Spectre , which sat imposing behind bulletproof glass. The manager’s words struck him like a slap; he felt a rush of jealousy prickling at his skin. Having not yet paid for it, he could only admire it from afar while someone else was allowed to lay hands on it.

Fuming, Benjamin's gaze anxiously darted around the garage until it landed on Elijah. A wave of fury washed over him, propelling him across the showroom with dangerous speed. He confronted the manager and jabbed a finger indignantly in his direction.

"Are you kidding me? You left me waiting for hours in the lounge for this... this pathetic woman-beater? He has to do several menial jobs just to survive!" Benjamin hissed, his voice dripping with disdain as he pointed at Elijah, who remained blissfully unaware, lost in the allure of the Mercedes.

"But... but, sir," the manager stammered, taken aback. "I had them offer you our finest wine, and I was waiting for you to finish discussing business until we received another esteemed client who was in a hurry."

"Esteemed...? What a very funny man you are!" Benjamin laughed hysterically. "This guy right here is nothing close to esteemed."

The manager flinched as Benjamin's finger hovered inches from his face, but he kept his voice professional. "Sir… I assure you, this is not any random client. Mr. Elijah here even promised..."

Benjamin jabbed his finger toward Elijah again. "It's all fake promises! He’s a nobody! A lowlife who I got arrested just yesterday! How dare you let him into the VIP garage?!"

Elijah finally turned his head, calmly meeting Benjamin's furious eyes. For a moment, his heart wanted to leap out of his chest upon seeing Benjamin. He didn’t expect to meet him anytime soon. Maintaining his composure, the anger within him snapped like a stretched cord.

Elijah raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling at the corner of his lips. "And here I was thinking the luxury showroom had noise control."

Benjamin clenched his fists, his anger boiling over. “What did you just say?!”

“I said,” Elijah stepped away from the Mercedes, his shoes clicking confidently on the polished concrete, “you’re embarrassing yourself in a place meant for men of class. Should I call security?”

“Security?!” Benjamin laughed bitterly. “You think you can threaten me with this fake attitude? Listen and listen well, I’m getting married to my beloved Ruthila next month. My wedding’s going to shut down this entire city. People like you should be begging to carry my bags while we have our honeymoon in that Rolls-Royce over there."

The manager shifted uncomfortably, but Elijah remained calm. He stepped backwards and walked toward the glass housing the Rolls-Royce. “Marrying Ruthila doesn’t mean you’ve made it in life, Mr. Benjamin. In fact, you just inherited a ‘headache in heels.’"

Elijah's reply hit Benjamin like a raging wave, leaving his mouth agape in shock. The staff in the background pretended not to listen, but deep down, they wanted to laugh at Benjamin’s reaction.

Suddenly clearing his throat, Elijah turned to the manager with a faint smile. “Apologies, Mr. Manager, but I have changed my mind about the Mercedes. I’ll take the Rolls-Royce Spectre instead. I need it right now because I’m in a hurry.”

The manager’s eyes lit up. “Right away, sir. I will go get the access card.”

Benjamin’s face drained of color. “What?! Don’t even dare to take another step!” he snapped, stopping the manager in his tracks. “He... he can’t just take that! I was about to buy it! It’s no longer for sale."

The manager blinked disdainfully, visibly torn between addressing client service and common sense. “Sir… with all due respect, it’s not up to you to decide what is or isn’t for sale.”

“You pompous piece of…” Benjamin lunged forward, fury twisting his face. But before he could reach the manager, two security guards stepped in with trained precision, their hands firmly pushing against Benjamin’s chest.

“Easy, sir,” one of them said, his voice deep and neutral. “This is a high-security showroom and the Manager's safety is our top priority. One more outburst, and you’ll be humiliated and escorted out... publicly."

Benjamin growled, breathing hard through his nostrils as he tried to calm himself. “This isn’t right. This isn’t fair! You're seriously going to hand over my car to him just like that!?"

A slow chuckle bubbled out of Elijah. He finally turned from the Rolls-Royce and clasped his hands together. “You know what?” he said with a grin, “You’re absolutely right, Benjamin. It’s not fair.”

Benjamin smirked, struggling to understand Elijah's sudden change in demeanor.

“But you know what is fair?” Elijah continued, taking a few confident steps toward the center of the room. “Neither of us has paid for it yet. That means we’re both starting from the same place. Isn't it?"

Benjamin narrowed his eyes. “So?”

“So,” Elijah said, his eyes glinting mischievously, “let’s make this interesting. Whoever opens that glass first gets to own the Rolls-Royce Spectre . Winner takes all, they say.”

Benjamin laughed so hard he had to grab the velvet rope divider for support. “You really are an optimistic fool, Elijah. Do you think this is a toy shop? That bulletproof glass is encrypted and secured with a retina scan and chip detection. You think they’ll just let anyone crack it open like a school locker?”

Elijah simply smiled. “So... do you accept?”

Benjamin straightened, brushing off his jacket. “Fine. You’re on. I’ll enjoy watching you embarrass yourself.”

Around them, a ripple of murmurs flowed through the staff. Some hid their smirks while others exchanged curious glances, wondering what Elijah had up his sleeve. The security guards raised their eyebrows but said nothing.

“Manager,” Elijah called out, “could you be kind enough to bring Mr. Benjamin the access card for the Rolls-Royce?”

The manager paused, visibly confused. “Sir? You’re asking me to get him the card? And not you?”

“Yes,” Elijah replied with a calm smile.

Benjamin puffed his chest proudly. “You heard him! Go get it! I'm tired of standing around. Time to claim what's mine.”

The manager hesitated once more, unsure, then nodded and walked toward the elevator with brisk steps. As the elevator doors shut behind him, Elijah turned to the security guards and asked smoothly, “Do you mind if I approach the glass? Just want a closer look.”

The guards exchanged a glance and nodded. “Go ahead, sir. Just don’t tamper with anything.”

“Of course, I wouldn't even dare," Elijah replied, stepping forward slowly. The silence in the room was similar to that of a graveyard. He reached into the inner pocket of his blazer and pulled out the Schwarzenger Diamond Card, its platinum edges shimmering faintly under the showroom lights.

"Don't fail me now. Maestro said you could open even the most secure doors," he muttered as he stood silently before the bulletproof glass. He drew in a breath, lowered his eyes slightly, and whispered a short, silent prayer under his breath. Then, gently, he reached out and tapped the card against the glowing red panel on the right corner of the glass.

BEEP!!!

The red glow pulsed for a few seconds… then suddenly turned green. A low mechanical voice echoed through the garage: "Welcome, Mr. Schwarzenger. You are now authorized to access the Rolls-Royce Spectre ."

HISSSHHH... The glass slid open with a smooth hydraulic sigh, revealing the Rolls-Royce Spectre in all its gleaming glory.

The room erupted in cheers as the staff’s jaws dropped. One attendant gasped audibly, clutching her chest as if she might faint. The security guards stepped back, exchanging uneasy glances, their hands still poised near their belts.

Benjamin stood frozen, his mind reeling. His mouth hung open, as if the air had been knocked out of him. His hands dropped limply to his sides as the velvet rope creaked under his weight. What was he going to tell Ruthila?

Elijah glanced over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow. “Nice doing business with you, Mr. Husband-to-be.”

The showroom buzzed with electricity, the Rolls-Royce Spectre ’s sleek curves gleaming under the lights. Elijah stood calmly, the Schwarzenger Diamond Card still in hand, its platinum edges catching every eye in the room.

Benjamin’s jaw twitched, his face pale as death. “This... this is a mistake,” he stammered, his voice cracking. “That card—it’s fake! He’s a fraud!” He spun toward the shocked manager, who had just returned, clutching the access card and a sleek tablet. “Check that card! He’s trying to play us all!”

The manager adjusted his tie, his hands trembling slightly as he pondered. A Schwarzenger Diamond Card? Only one person in the whole world has it, and it's Lord Schwarzenger, the richest and most powerful man in Futuriux. Was this man his heir, a business tycoon related to him, or something else entirely?

“Mr. Elijah, please, for protocol’s sake, may I verify the card’s authenticity?” Elijah’s smirk was unwavering as he flicked the card to the manager with the ease of tossing a coin. “Make it quick. I’ve got places to be.”

The manager hurried to a terminal at the corner of the room, swiping the card through a scanner.

The room fell silent, everyone’s eyes locked on the blinking screen. Benjamin’s fingers trembled as he thought of the unfolding chaos. The security guards edged closer, ready to act then a soft ding echoed from the terminal and the manager’s eyes widened.

He turned to Elijah, his voice barely above a whisper. “Mr. Elijah… the Schwarzenger Diamond Card is verified. Full clearance, unlimited credit. You’re the only client on our list authorized for immediate purchase.”

Whispers immediately rippled through the crowd, phones light flashing as staff snapped discreet photos. Benjamin’s knees buckled, but he caught himself on the rope again as his knuckles had turned white from being weak. “Unlimited credit?” he muttered. “Impossible…”

Elijah tilted his head, his voice low and intimidating. “It's not really impossible, Benjamin. Just that.. I'm way... way out of your league .”

The manager tapped his tablet frantically. “Mr. Elijah, the Rolls-Royce Spectre ’s base price is $3.2 million, but with your offer to pay double to triple…” He hesitated, glancing nervously. “Shall we proceed with, say, $9 million?”

"Make it $10 million,” Elijah said, waving a hand dismissively. “I’m feeling generous, and I want the paperwork done before I finish this coffee exclusively made for VIP customers.” He then proudly nodded toward a staff member scurrying over with a tray of espresso cups, her hands shaking with excitement to impress a wealthy person.

The manager’s jaw dropped. An over six-million-dollar tip? His mind raced so fast because $200,000 had been his biggest bonus, but this was unheard of. He didn't waste time before nodding vigorously. “Of course, sir! Right away!” He motioned to an assistant, who bolted toward the back office.

Benjamin’s grin twisted into a snarl. “You think you can steal my car with some fancy card? I’ve been negotiating for that Spectre for hours! Hoping to get it even if I'd have to pay in instalments. Ruthila will hear about this scandal you've pulled, and when she does...”

"Haha... Ruthila? Really?” Elijah cut in, his tone laced with mock pity. He stepped closer, his voice dropping to almost a whisper. "Tell her I said congrats on the upcoming wedding. And good luck explaining why you didn't come back with the Rolls-Royce.”

Benjamin’s mouth opened to speak, but he was disappointed that no words came and it made the crowd’s murmurs grew, punctuated by stifled laughs. One of the security guards faked a cough, hiding a grin.

Before anyone could speak further, the manager returned with a leather-bound folder and pen, struggling to maintain his composure as his hands trembled on handing them to Elijah. “The paperwork, sir. Sign here, and the Rolls-Royce Spectre is yours. We’ll have it prepped and brought downstairs in 15 minutes.”

Elijah signed with a flourish, handing the folder back. “Make sure it’s quickly brought to me downstairs. I’ve got a wedding gala next month, and I plan to make an entrance.”

"Of course, Mr. Elijah. I will personally supervise the driver and make sure the car gets no scratches." the manager said excitingly, nearly bowing. “It's a big honor to serve you, sir."

Elijah returned to glance at Benjamin, who glared at the floor, his pride in total shatters. “Oh, Benjamin?” Elijah called, pausing for effect. “If you’re still set on that honeymoon ride, I see they’ve got a used EQS sedan in the back. Might suit your… you know? Instalment plan.”

The showroom erupted in another round of laughter, staff and onlookers no longer hiding their amusement. Benjamin’s face burned red as his pride was being reduced to nothing by Elijah. "This isn’t over, Elijah,” he hissed, shoving past an attendant toward the elevator. “I'm gonna make sure Ruthila knows what you do when you're not engaging in domestic violence. An ordinary fraudster!"

The doors closed with a final "CHING!", and the room exhaled in relief. Elijah ran a hand along the Rolls-Royce's sleek hood. “Beautiful,” he murmured, his thoughts drifting to the wedding and Ruthila. The manager hovered nearby, tablet in hand, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the biggest sale his company had ever made. "Is there anything else you need, Mr. Elijah?” he asked.

Elijah's smile faltered slightly as his stomach rumbled; he hadn't eaten anything apart from the wine his father had offered him earlier. “Not today. But I might be back soon to buy more. Always keep the coffee hot,” he replied, feeling jittery from the wine as he strode toward the elevator. The crowd parted like the sea to let him pass, and their excited whispers followed him.