Chapter 40 Car Inspection
The helicopter touched down gracefully at the dock, its rotor blades stirring the salty breeze from the nearby waters. Everlyn's sleek navy-blue suit shifted slightly in the wind, but her expression remained sharp and composed. Alexander Blackwell stepped out first, his presence commanding as his polished black leather shoes hit the ground. His tailored black suit, paired with a crisp white shirt and subtle red pocket square, reflected the precision with which he approached every aspect of his life. Everlyn followed closely, her sharp gray eyes scanning the scene ahead.
The docks, usually a hub for industrial activity, had been transformed into a scene of exclusivity. A trio of covered vehicles stood at the center of attention, surrounded by Alexander's security team, their dark suits blending seamlessly into the shadowy backdrop of the setting sun. Among the group, Paul and Brian, representatives from the dealership, stood out in their lighter, more formal attire. Paul, a man in his mid-forties with an air of practiced confidence, held a polished demeanor, while Brian, younger and visibly eager, looked as if he were moments away from bursting with excitement.
The security detail parted as Alexander and Everlyn approached. Paul stepped forward, his face lighting up with a smile of professional pride. "Mr. Blackwell, it's an honor to deliver these personally. Every modification has been done to your exact specifications."
Alexander offered a curt nod, his face an unreadable mask. Everlyn, however, allowed her gaze to linger on the three vehicles, her interest piqued.
"Let's see them," Alexander said, his voice calm but authoritative.
At Paul's signal, the covers were drawn back to reveal the vehicles beneath. The sleek, metallic sheen of their black exteriors gleamed in the dimming light, each accent of crimson red adding a touch of fire to their refined designs. They were more than cars—they were symbols of power and extravagance.
The first car revealed was the Bugatti W16 Mistral, its aerodynamic form a harmonious blend of aggression and elegance. Paul gestured toward it, his voice filled with reverence. "The W16 Mistral, the final roadster to feature Bugatti's legendary W16 engine. Modified with your preferred black and red palette, it boasts 1,577 horsepower and a top speed of 261 miles per hour."
Alexander stepped forward, his movements deliberate. As he opened the door, the faint click of the latch echoed in the air. Inside, the car's interior was a symphony of black hand-stitched leather and subtle crimson piping. The dashboard was a seamless integration of cutting-edge technology and artisanal craftsmanship, with polished metal dials and a digital display embedded within a framework of lacquered carbon fiber. The scent of rich leather filled the air as Alexander ran a hand over the smooth surfaces.
Without a word, he moved to the next car, a striking Bugatti Divo with sharp, aggressive lines that gave it an almost predatory stance. "The Divo," Paul continued, "renowned for its aerodynamics and agility. Its quad-turbocharged W16 engine delivers 1,479 horsepower. Only forty units exist globally, making it one of the rarest Bugattis ever made."
The interior was no less extraordinary. Sleek black leather seats with perforated inserts for ventilation were paired with discreet red stitching. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, wrapped in the finest Alcantara, gave it the air of a precision instrument. The controls, minimalist yet intuitive, hinted at the car's dedication to performance without compromising luxury.
Finally, the third car was unveiled, its presence commanding even before the cover had fully dropped. The Bugatti Centodieci, initially finished in a pristine white, had been transformed into a sinister masterpiece of black and red. "A tribute to the iconic EB110," Paul said, his voice low with awe. "It has 1,600 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 60 in just 2.4 seconds. Only ten exist worldwide, and this is the sole one in the United States."
The Centodieci's interior was a stark juxtaposition of minimalist design and opulence. Diamond-stitched leather in jet black was complemented by red ambient lighting that gave the cockpit an otherworldly glow. The instrument panel was an understated marvel, with a streamlined arrangement of digital displays and tactile buttons crafted from brushed aluminum.
Alexander inspected each car with the same measured intensity, his expression revealing little. When all three were lined up, he turned to Everlyn, handing her the key to the Divo. "Drive it," he instructed.
Everlyn raised an eyebrow but took the key without hesitation. She slid into the driver's seat, adjusting it to her comfort, and pressed the ignition button. The engine roared to life, a deep, resonant growl that sent a thrill through the air. Alexander did the same with the W16 Mistral, the low rumble of its engine harmonizing with the Divo's.
They eased the cars out of their positions, the security team stepping aside. The stretch of the dock provided ample room to test the vehicles. Everlyn handled the Divo with the precision of someone accustomed to control, while Alexander's driving of the Mistral was fluid, almost effortless. The smoothness of the ride contrasted with the raw power beneath the hoods, the vehicles gliding across the dock like predators stalking their territory.
After a few laps, the cars rolled to a halt, their engines purring as though reluctant to be silenced. Alexander stepped out first, brushing a speck of dust from his lapel. "It's been a long time since I was behind the wheel," he mused.
Everlyn emerged, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I never pegged you for a sports car enthusiast, sir."
Alexander's expression darkened slightly. "I'm not impressed. They feel like any other sports car."
Everlyn tilted her head, her tone laced with subtle humor. "It really doesn't meet the Blackwell standard, I'm afraid."
Paul and Brian exchanged panicked glances. Brian stammered, "Sir, we worked with the best modification teams—"
Alexander cut him off with a raised hand. "There was a Bugatti David once showed me," he said, his voice quieter now. "It felt... different."
Everlyn's ears perked up at the mention of David Morgan, her boss's close friend and heir to the Morgan family. "I'm still shocked you're buying sports cars, sir," she said, unable to hide her curiosity.
Alexander's gaze turned sharp. "I want the Blackwell name to redefine what money means. Not just in making it, but in spending it. The extremes of wealth, Everlyn, both in business and indulgence."
Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Sir, while I admire your vision, I'd suggest hiring a luxury curator for this endeavor. You excel in business, but even you can't master everything."
Alexander's gaze lingered on her, assessing the jab before turning to Paul and Brian. "Thank you for your efforts. I'll reach out if I need anything else."
The men nodded, their relief palpable as they made their exit. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the three cars stood as monuments to excess, their modified exteriors gleaming under the fading light.
Alexander was never one to waste time when making decisions. Listening to Everlyn's suggestion, he gave her a brief nod. "Find me a luxury curator," he instructed, his tone firm and decisive. Without missing a beat, he reached into his pocket and retrieved his phone—a highly secured, custom-made unreleased iPhone 16 Pro Max. Its sleek black casing was inlaid with diamonds and gold, a design crafted specifically for him by Apple. The Blackwell insignia was subtly etched into the back, a symbol of exclusivity and power.
He unlocked the device with a swift motion, the screen lighting up with a minimalist interface. Scrolling through his short list of contacts, he stopped at the name "David Morgan" and tapped it. The call barely rang twice before it connected.
"The main man himself!" came David's voice, laced with his trademark charisma. "And here I was thinking you'd forgotten about me. What's the occasion? Wait—don't tell me. You're calling to boast about winning that case. Congratulations, by the way."
Alexander's voice remained steady, cutting through David's playful tone. "This isn't about the case."
David chuckled, his amusement evident. "Then what is it? And sorry to rush you, but I've got a meeting with the board in five. Make it quick."
Alexander leaned casually against the W16 Mistral, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "The Bugatti you showed me once," he said. "Tell me about it."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, followed by a burst of laughter. "Are you seriously calling me about cars, Alex? This must be a first."
"Answer me," Alexander said, his tone unyielding.
David cleared his throat, still chuckling. "Fine. It's the Bugatti La Voiture Noire. A one-of-a-kind beauty. Cost me about $18 million. Why do you ask?"
"How did you modify it?" Alexander pressed.
David's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "Mansory. They're the best in the game. Wait a second…" His voice trailed off briefly, then returned with a note of urgency. "Hold on—don't buy anything yet. I'll be over as soon as my meeting is done."
Alexander's expression remained stoic. "I've already bought the cars."
"Cars?" David echoed, his voice rising. "As in more than one? And you didn't consult me? Alex, what the hell were you thinking? Forget this meeting—I'm coming over right now."
Before Alexander could respond, the line went dead. He slipped the phone back into his pocket, glancing at Everlyn, who had been observing the exchange with a raised brow.
"Well?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her tone.
"He said he's coming over," Alexander replied simply, his tone betraying no emotion.
Everlyn smirked, folding her arms as she leaned against the Divo. "This should be interesting."
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