CHAPTER 2: THE NAME ON THE SCREEN
CHAPTER 2: THE NAME ON THE SCREEN
The bank lobby fell silent.
The card reader beeped once.
Then twice.
The bank president folded his arms with a smug smile.
"I told you," he said loudly enough for everyone waiting in line to hear. "The card is probably expired."
The elderly veteran, Daniel Brooks, stood quietly at the counter.
His worn military jacket was neatly buttoned.
His hands were rough with age.
But his eyes never left the terminal.
The teller frowned.
"Sir..."
Her voice trembled.
The screen had changed.
Instead of displaying an account balance, a red banner appeared.
EXECUTIVE SECURITY VERIFICATION REQUIRED
The bank president frowned.
"What is this?"
The teller slowly turned the monitor toward him.
Below the message appeared one line that drained the color from his face.
Welcome, Founder and Majority Shareholder: Daniel Brooks. Executive authentication in progress.
The president laughed nervously.
"That... that's impossible."
Daniel calmly picked up his card.
"It isn't."
The entire lobby stared.
Employees exchanged confused glances.
The president forced another smile.
"There must be a technical error."
Before Daniel could answer, the elevator doors opened.
Three members of the company's board stepped into the lobby.
The oldest among them immediately walked toward the veteran.
Without hesitation...
He extended his hand.
"Mr. Brooks."
May you like
"We've been hoping you'd visit."
The president's confident expression disappeared.
