Meanwhile a customer at one of the city's most exclusive automobile dealerships had been waiting for his boss's vehicle to be brought around when he noticed a familiar face walking through the showroom.
Julian Carter.
The Carter heir was hardly a stranger to the city's wealthy circles, but what caught the customer's attention was the vehicle waiting near the entrance.
A brand-new, luxury limited-edition car stood beneath the dealership lights, its polished body gleaming beneath the morning sun. A large ribbon had been tied across the hood, making it obvious that the vehicle was being presented as a gift.
The customer recognized Julian immediately.
He discreetly took out his phone and snapped a picture. While he was still there, the customer heard that it was a gift for a woman.
Within an hour, the photograph had found its way into one of the private social groups where news about the city's prominent families traveled faster than any official announcement.
