Bethany stood there, staring at the Lexus parked neatly before her.

 The gleaming vehicle was everything she knew Fred would offer—grandiose, flashy, and entirely unnecessary.

 Did he think she could be bought like some favor? Her stomach twisted at the thought.

Fred broke the silence with a casual grin, gesturing toward the car. "Drive this to the company tomorrow. Let the staff who laughed at you eat their words."

She cut him off, her voice firm. "Stop it, Fred. Just stop." 

Her expression was stoic as she stretched out her hand toward him, holding the car keys.

Fred raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. "The panda?" he asked, a playful smirk...