CHAPTER 1: THE MECHANIC HIS DAUGHTER LOVED
“Why would my daughter ever want someone like you?”
Victor Kingsley’s voice sliced through the luxury garage.
Beneath bright white lights, he stood in a tailored gray suit surrounded by rows of exotic cars worth millions.
Ferraris.
Lamborghinis.
Bentleys.
Machines that reflected his wealth, his power, and his belief that money determined a person's value.
Standing across from him was Daniel Mercer.
A young mechanic wearing a stained work shirt.
Quiet.
Still.
Humiliated.
Daniel said nothing.
He simply lowered his eyes.
But Clara Kingsley noticed something.
A fresh bruise on the side of his neck.
Her heart dropped.
“Dad...” she whispered.
Victor ignored her.
“I will never allow my daughter to marry a man like you.”
His voice echoed through the garage.
“You fix cars.”
“You work with your hands.”
“You are hired help.”
The mechanics around them froze.
One worker stopped polishing a Bentley.
Another held a wrench in midair.
Nobody dared interfere.
Daniel swallowed hard.
Not because of the insult.
Because he had heard similar words his entire life.
People saw grease on his hands and assumed they knew his worth.
Victor stepped closer.
“You should be grateful my daughter even looked at you.”
Clara’s eyes filled with tears.
“Stop it.”
“No.”
Victor pointed toward the exit.
“Leave her alone and know your place.”
The garage fell silent.
Daniel clenched his fists but remained calm.
Then a sound echoed from outside.
An engine.
Deep.
Powerful.
Unmistakable.
Every head turned toward the entrance.
A black Rolls-Royce slowly glided into the garage.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Even Victor stopped talking.
Because the man stepping out of that car wasn't ordinary.
And judging by the expression on his face...
he was here for Daniel.