My Grandfather And His Pink Car

My grandfather, the company’s chairman, had an unmistakable obsession with pink. Not only had he decorated his entire house in soft rosy hues, but he even had his newly purchased Rimac Nevera repainted in blush pink. I was home for the summer. On the day he got his new car, he excitedly asked me to drive him to work. We had just entered the underground parking garage when a black Rolls-Royce suddenly blared its horn and sped up to cut in front of me. It then slammed on the brakes without warning. Unable to react in time, I crashed straight into it. The driver lowered his window and cursed at me. His face was twisted with arrogance. “Are you blind? Vixen, can’t you drive?” Swallowing my anger, I retorted, “You were the one who deliberately cut me off. How can you twist this around and blame me?” He let out a mocking snort. “You women in pink cars are hopeless drivers, yet you still blame others? You had it coming. You must be a new intern. Let me tell you something. You’ve just hit the chairman’s car. Get ready to go bankrupt!” My grandfather and I exchanged a baffled look. If that was the chairman’s car, what were we in? Chapter 1 Meeting my skeptical gaze, my grandfather, Harold Reid, flushed crimson and stomped his foot in anger. “Isn’t this an insult to my taste? That pitch-black scrap of metal could never be my car!” He lovingly caressed the soft, adorable pink interior of his own car. The blush paint gleamed as it caught the light. “Just look at this color. This is what truly suits me,” he said with pride and satisfaction. My grandfather had always been fond of anything soft and pink. His house was covered in pink wallpaper, and he slept in a four-poster bed draped with a sheer canopy. Even the curtains glimmered in a sparkling pink hue. As for the Rimac Nevera he recently purchased, he treated it as a prized treasure. The moment he acquired it, he immediately had it repainted in blush pink. This was meant to be the first time he showed it off, but before he even had the chance, someone deliberately cut us off. “That jerk! Let’s see who he is!” My grandfather angrily rolled up the sleeves of his Hello Kitty shirt and was about to get out of the car to argue. As I was afraid his blood pressure might spike, I quickly stopped him. “Please stay here. I’ll go check it out.” By then, the Rolls-Royce owner had already walked over and was aggressively banging on my car door while muttering curses. “What are you dawdling for? Get out of the car!” When I stepped out, he took one look at how young I was and sneered, as if it had been exactly what he expected. “I knew it. Just another ignorant woman. If you can’t drive, don’t get behind the wheel. Do you even know what kind of car this is? And you still dared to crash into it?” I suppressed my anger. My voice came out cold as ice. “I was driving normally. If you hadn’t cut in from the side and suddenly slammed on the brakes, I wouldn’t have hit you.” Pointing at the surveillance camera above the underground garage passage, I continued, “Keep making false accusations, and I’ll call the police and pull the footage right now!” “Go ahead. Call the police if you dare!” The man suddenly raised his voice, ensuring the drivers stuck behind could hear. “You rear-ended me and still think you’re in the right? Perfect. This is a great time to show everyone what kind of reckless driver you are!” As he spoke, he reached out to shove me. “You think I won’t lay a hand on you just because you’re a woman?” Having grown up by my grandfather’s side, I was used to everyone treating both him and me with great respect. Hence, I had never encountered anything like this before. Shocked and furious, I blurted out, “Are you insane? You were the one who cut me off on purpose, and now you’re turning it around on me?” By this point, a long line of cars had already formed behind us, and impatient honking rang out all around us. Several drivers leaned out of their windows, cursing and complaining. “What’s going on up there? Don’t you know we’re going to be late for work? Why are you still blocking the road?” Someone spotted our pink car and immediately started swearing without understanding the situation. “Curses! Another female driver is causing trouble. Alas! These women act like they own the place. They’re always causing trouble for everyone. Hey, you there! If you can’t drive, then don’t. Get your husband to drive you to work instead.” Some drivers even turned on their high beams and kept flashing them at me. A furious laugh escaped me. I never imagined I would encounter something like this at my company, all because I was driving a pink car. It was truly eye-opening. I texted Grandpa, who was sitting in the car and barely holding himself back, and told him not to come out yet. This was the perfect chance to see what kind of shady characters were lurking in his company. As the surrounding chatter grew louder, the man became even more smug. Spittle flew as he spoke. “You see that, idiot? Everyone knows it’s your fault. You still won’t admit it?” I felt a surge of anger and amusement. “What a bunch of brainless perverts! You’re all getting ridiculously excited over a pink car for no reason at all.” My words pushed him over the edge. “Who do you think you’re insulting?” With a roar, the man swung his hand at me. I dodged it nimbly and kept up my mockery. “What’s wrong? Did I hit a nerve? Didn’t your mom teach you how to respect women?” I had spent nine years training in self-defense. Had I not been worried about causing trouble for Grandpa’s company, I would have taken that man down. He kept lunging at me, but he could not even touch my clothes. Out of breath, he finally stopped and pointed at me. “You must be the new intern. Do you have any idea who you’re talking to? How can you still behave so arrogantly? You’d better believe that I can have you fired with just one call to the chairman. You’ll be blacklisted all over Haverbrook!” I was surprised by his arrogant tone. I racked my brain but could not remember who he was. I also could not figure out if Grandpa even knew him. The moment I was distracted, he seized my wrist and raised his other hand high. “You wretched woman, let’s see how you dodge this!” At that critical moment, someone behind me shouted furiously, “Stop!” Chapter 2 The head of the logistics department stormed over. His voice was sharp and commanding. “Stop right now! What’s all this commotion? Haven’t you read the employee handbook?” I recognized him, having seen his photo for years at the top of the company’s “Outstanding Employee” board. Grandpa once spoke proudly of him, describing Ernest Briggs, the head of logistics, as fair, principled, and kind-hearted. He was the one Grandpa trusted and relied on most. Relieved, I quickly freed myself from the man’s grasp and began to explain. I said, “He swerved into my lane on purpose and even attacked me. There are security cameras in the garage. We can pull the footage…” To my surprise, Ernest did not listen to a word I said. He launched straight into a tirade. “So, you’re the one who hit Mr. Creed’s car, and now you’re blocking the way? Apologize and pay for the damages immediately. Don’t hold everyone up!” Then, Ernest turned to the man beside him. He put on an ingratiating smile and bowed. “Mr. Creed, I sincerely apologize. This is my oversight in logistics for allowing just anyone’s car to enter the company building.” At that moment, he glared at me. “Are you deaf or something? Get that disgusting pink car out of here right now. Don’t ever bring it to the company again.” My expression hardened completely. “So, this is how the head of logistics plays favorites? Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you to the chairman?” Ernest responded with a sneer, catching me off guard. “Little girl, complaints are handled through the logistics department. Didn’t you know that? And since you’ve offended Mr. Creed, you’re as good as fired today. Get lost. If you don’t leave now, I’ll have your car towed!” I blurted out in fury, “This is the chairman’s car. I’d like to see who dares to throw me out!” A moment of silence passed, then the whole place erupted in laughter. “This is hilarious! Does she even know what she’s saying?” “The chairman’s car is pink? What kind of nonsense is that?” “If that’s the chairman’s car, mine must be the president’s limo. Haha!” “A woman who drives a pink car to work? She’s got to be crazy.” Preston Creed doubled over laughing. It took him a while to recover before he pointed at the blush-pink car, sneered, and said, “You can’t even lie convincingly. This is just a local luxury car, isn’t it? And you’re trying to pass it off as the chairman’s car? How pathetic.” He then proudly patted the black Rolls-Royce beside him. “See that? Now that’s a proper chairman’s car. Your piece of junk couldn’t even come close to the price of a single door on my Rolls-Royce.” The onlookers quickly chimed in. “Exactly. Black is understated and elegant, which fits the chairman’s status. Only women would go for something as flashy as pink.” “A Rimac and a Rolls-Royce aren’t even in the same league.” “I heard Mr. Creed is the chairman’s grandson. He’s here on a summer internship. Crossing him won’t end well.” “That girl is done for…” I only grew more confused as I listened. Since when did my grandfather have another grandchild? How did I not know about this? Besides, our car was not an ordinary Rimac. I kept my expression cold and pointed at the pink Rimac. “I suggest you bring in someone who actually knows cars to see what this really is.” Preston scoffed. “I don’t care what you’re driving. You hit the chairman’s Rolls-Royce today, so you’re going to pay for it.” Ernest tried to grab me. His movements were rough and aggressive. I easily evaded him and stepped back while raising my voice. “Words aren’t proof. How can you prove that your car is the chairman’s?” Taking advantage of Preston’s hesitation, I pressed on, saying, “Since we both claim our cars belong to the chairman, why don’t we call his driver down? He’ll know who’s lying.” Chapter 3 Grandpa had a longtime driver named George Creed who had been with him for over a decade. Out of respect for their long-standing relationship, my grandfather never replaced him. Not only was he well-paid, but his job was easy as well. Aside from driving Grandpa to and from work every day, he had plenty of free time. After I returned to the country, Grandpa gave him a short break and had him rest at the logistics department so I would not be idle. Since then, I had taken over temporarily, using the opportunity to practice my driving. This was my first day driving Grandpa to work. As Grandpa’s driver, George knew every car he owned. With him there, identifying the real one would be effortless. Seeing how confident I was, the onlookers began to waver. They began exchanging uncertain glances and whispering among themselves. “Could that pink car actually belong to the chairman?” “But I’ve never seen him in that car…” “We’ll find out the truth soon enough.” Preston scoffed. “Alright then. Mr. Briggs, please call his driver down. Let’s settle this face-to-face.” Ernest nodded repeatedly and quickly pulled out his phone, dialing a number with practiced ease. “George, please come down to the garage.” The more I looked at Preston’s smug, unbothered smile, the stronger the unease in my chest became. Still, George would never mistake my grandfather’s car. That thought eased my mind a little. Soon, George hurried over. “Mr. Briggs, what’s the matter? Why did you call me down so urgently?” “George!” I called out. To my surprise, he glanced at me with confusion. He did not seem to recognize me. Then, it dawned on me. I had gone abroad to study at an early age, and he likely no longer remembered what I looked like. Preston was quick to act. He pointed at the black Rolls-Royce. “Take a look. Is this the chairman’s car?” George’s gaze left my face and settled on the black Rolls-Royce. He nodded without hesitation. “Yes, that’s right.” After casting me a smug glance, Preston pointed at the pink car. “What about this one? Do you recognize it?” George glanced at the pink Rimac and shook his head firmly. “This pink one… I’ve never seen it before.” All eyes in the garage landed on me in disdain. Preston stared at me smugly. “Well? What do you have to say now?” I stepped forward in disbelief and looked at George. “Why are you lying? How could that black Rolls-Royce possibly be the chairman’s car?” George frowned and took a set of car keys from his pocket. After selecting one, he pressed the button. The Rolls-Royce roared to life. “This is the spare key. This car is indeed his.” I froze in place. It really was Grandpa’s car. However, almost instantly, I frowned. If that was true, how had Preston managed to take it out, and why were we completely unaware of it? Jeers erupted around me. “Can’t keep up the act anymore, huh?” Preston sized me up with disdain. His gaze slowly raked over me. “You’re pretty young. You didn’t buy this car, did you? Was it a sugar daddy’s gift?” he asked in a low and sleazy voice. “Here’s an idea. Spend a few days with me, and we’ll forget about this little accident. Deal? You heard it. My grandfather is the chairman. It’s just a car. He won’t mind.” The surrounding onlookers fixed me with hostile stares. They clicked their tongue. “Looks like she got lucky from this accident. She’s latched onto someone rich. She must be thrilled.” “Everyone knows Mr. Creed rotates luxury cars like outfits. He’s been here a week and has already gone through seven or eight.” “Who knows? Maybe she rear-ended him on purpose, hoping to snag a rich guy. Hahaha!” “Sounds about right. No decent person would parade around in a pink car like that.” I paid no heed to their foul remarks. Instead, I focused on the uncanny resemblance between George and Preston. Suddenly, I recalled something Grandpa had mentioned recently. George’s son had also returned home for the summer, and George had even requested leave to be with him. It hit me all at once: Preston was probably George’s son. As he had complete trust in George, my grandfather had left the garage entirely under his control and never interfered. That meant the luxury cars Preston had been driving were likely taken directly from it. Chapter 4 With that thought in mind, I pointed at Preston and shifted my gaze to George. “Even if this car does belong to the chairman, he’s also claiming to be his grandson. So, tell me, is he?” George paled instantly. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, and his fingers trembled slightly. However, his idiot son was still acting full of himself and hurling threats at me. “I’m telling you, whatever my grandfather says is law in Haverbrook. Pay ten million dollars or sleep with me. Otherwise, he’ll make sure you won’t even know what hit you!” Preston then shot me a contemptuous glance. “You’re just an intern driving a Rimac. You could work forever and still not come close to paying this off.” As he spoke, he reached for my chest. I could not tolerate the arrogant look on his face any longer and threw a punch. “Argh!” Preston clutched his nose and staggered back a few steps. Blood started seeping through his fingers. “So, you’ve chosen the hard way, huh?” He lunged at me, but I drove a hard kick into him, sending him crashing to the floor. “Wretched woman! Fine. If I can’t hit you, I’ll wreck your car.” With that, he jabbed a finger at my pink car and shouted viciously at the people around us, “Whoever wrecks that pink junker gets an immediate promotion and a raise!” The crowd stirred at once. Several men got out of their cars and picked up fire extinguishers and metal rods, itching to get started. All this time, George stood off to the side in silence. “George,” I said, fixing him with a cold stare. “My grandfather’s been good to you. Are you sure you want to do this? You’re not afraid he’ll throw you out when he finds out?” Preston laughed like he had heard the greatest joke ever. “Did you hear that? This woman actually thinks she’s the chairman’s granddaughter!” The crowd roared with laughter. “Is she delusional? She got called out and completely lost it.” “Mr. Creed, hurry up and put her in her place!” “The chairman’s granddaughter? Don’t be ridiculous. She’s nothing but a gold digger!” George also laughed. “If you’re going to lie, at least make it convincing, kid. Don’t you know the chairman’s granddaughter is studying overseas?” He visibly relaxed and looked at my pink car with open ridicule. “I’ve driven for years, and I’ve never seen him buy a pink car.” It all became clear to me. George had no idea I had already returned from abroad, which was why he dared to let his son pretend to be Grandpa’s grandchild. Unfortunately for him, he was unaware of the truth. The pink car truly belonged to my grandfather. I had already figured out that it was probably a newly delivered vehicle that had not yet been logged to the garage records. Hence, he did not recognize it. He also had no idea that Grandpa was sitting in the car at this very moment and had witnessed the entire spectacle. The first fire extinguisher struck the car with a loud crash, and metal rods and wrenches followed soon after. Preston hurled insults as he continued striking the car. “Women who drive pink cars are the worst. You deserve this!” To everyone’s shock, the blush pink car was completely unscathed even after all the blows. Instead, their tools had bent out of shape. “What in the world? Why is this piece of junk so tough?” Someone suddenly pointed at the rear impact area and exclaimed, “Look!” The black Rolls-Royce had a huge dent, but my pink car did not even have a scratch on its paintwork. “Goodness! Are you kidding me? What in the world is this thing?” I gently ran my hand over the car’s surface and said slowly, “You all know it’s a Rimac, but do you know that it’s a Rimac Nevera?” Under their astonished gazes, I smiled faintly. “This is bulletproof.” It was also the most expensive car in Grandpa’s garage. Preston was livid. He raised a hammer high. “I don’t care if it’s a Rimac or whatever! I’m going to smash your car to pieces today!” His threats died in his throat as the pink car’s window slowly slid down, revealing Grandpa’s stern face. My grandfather’s sharp gaze swept across the crowd before settling on Preston. “Whose car did you say you were going to smash?” he asked in an icy tone.