Hank’s smile faltered when he noticed Randall’s team wasn’t wearing the Bison Tire & Lube insignia. Confusion etched across his face as he tried to make sense of this unexpected twist. Before he could voice his uncertainty, Randall stepped forward.

“Good to see you again,” he said to me, shaking my hand firmly. Then he turned to Hank, “Mr. Hank, I presume?”

“Yes, but who—” Hank started but was cut off by Randall’s introduction.

“Randall Knox, Lakeside Investment Group. We recently acquired the majority shares of Bennett & Sons from an anonymous seller.” He glanced at me with a knowing smile.

Hank’s face went ashen, his mind racing to catch up with the revelation. “But that’s impossible,” he stammered, his eyes darting between us.