SCREECH.
Two black luxury SUVs pulled sharply against the curb outside the storefront, their hazard lights flashing.
Four senior corporate executives in tailored charcoal suits and the Chief Legal Officer of the national bakery conglomerate rushed through the glass doors, their eyes frantically scanning the room.
Richard’s eyes lit up with misguided delight. "Senior Vice President Harris! Thank goodness you’re here for the district audit. I was just dealing with an insubordinate clerk giving away product—"
Vice President Harris pushed past Richard without breaking stride.
In front of every stunned customer and employee, all four executives halted before the man in the worn olive jacket, bowing their heads in deep reverence.
"Chairman Arthur Bennett," the VP gasped. "The philanthropic trust documents and national franchise holding transfers are drawn up and awaiting your signature, sir."
Richard froze. The blood drained from his face until he was completely pale.
Arthur Bennett. The reclusive multi-billionaire founder who owned the entire international bakery franchise network—who had spent the last month visiting locations in disguise to find a successor worthy of heading his billion-dollar community foundation.