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Charlie had a lightbulb moment about what to do next! He headed over to a local car repair shop, where he spent twenty bucks to swap out the BMW 760 logo for a 520. While the main distinctions between these models lay in their engines and interior designs, the outside of a BMW 5 Series closely resembled the 7 Series, making it tricky to tell them apart unless you looked closely at the rear badge. The 520 was the most basic model in the 5 Series, featuring an average engine and standard technology—it was an all-around average car. In contrast, the 760 was the top-tier model in the 7 Series, equipped with a powerful engine and exceptional handling—it was a beast on the road. Charlie couldn’t help but grin as he drove the 760, now sporting the 520 badge. Claire, who didn’t know much about cars and had little interest in them, would undoubtedly believe him if he claimed this was a BMW 520.

The workshop owner watched with a smirk as the BMW rolled out of his shop. He was surprised at the young man’s cheekiness, especially considering his seemingly innocent demeanor. It was clear that Charlie had a clever scheme in mind by switching the 760 logo to a 520!

***

After finishing his car shopping, Charlie remembered his next task—finding a gift for the grand opening of Douglas’s restaurant that was happening at noon. Since Douglas had been the only classmate who treated him kindly during college, Charlie wanted to give him something special. He drove to a large consignment shop where he spent two hundred thousand dollars on an early painting by Rachel Ruysch, a renowned artist from the Dutch Golden Age. Although Rachel Ruysch’s reputation has faded in contemporary art circles, Charlie knew that this painting would be a meaningful gift. He chose an older piece for two reasons: he wanted to present Douglas with something significant and valuable, but he also wanted to keep others from knowing its true worth. If anyone inquired about it, he planned to downplay the cost, saying it was merely a few thousand dollars.

As the clock approached noon, Charlie called Claire to let her know he would pick her and Loreen up from the Emgrand Group headquarters. When Claire saw him pull up in a BMW 5 Series, her jaw dropped in astonishment. She stared at him, wide-eyed, and exclaimed, “Where did this car come from?”

With a warm smile, Charlie replied, “I bought it for you!”

“You bought it?” Claire asked, even more shocked. “How did you afford it?”

“Private savings, of course,” Charlie shrugged casually. “I didn’t spend a dime during our marriage, and for all these years, you and your family have covered my expenses. So, what’s wrong with saving a little pocket money?”

“But it’s your savings! You should treat yourself. Why spend it on such an expensive car? It must have cost around four hundred thousand dollars!”

Charlie chuckled. “You’re my wife! What’s wrong with using my savings for you? Would you prefer I spend it on someone else? Plus, now that you’re a director, it’s important for you to have a car—people might tease you otherwise.”

Loreen chimed in, “Claire, you definitely need a car for your daily commute. This one is perfect for you! Charlie loves you so much; you should be thrilled!”

Claire nodded, feeling grateful. “Thank you, Charlie!”

Charlie gently took her hand and said, “You’re welcome, my dear.” Then he encouraged them, “Let’s head to Douglas’s restaurant now!”

Claire suddenly remembered something and asked, “Did you get him a gift?”

“I did,” Charlie confirmed. “I bought him a painting.”

“A painting?” Claire inquired with curiosity. “What kind of painting?”

“It’s an ancient piece I found on Antique Street. It features a pomegranate, which symbolizes righteousness. I thought it looked nice, so I decided to get it.”

“How much did you pay for it?” Claire asked. “Several thousand dollars,” he replied.

Claire laughed, “You might have been scammed! Authentic paintings don’t come at that price.”

Charlie smiled nonchalantly. “It doesn’t matter; what counts is the sentiment behind the gift.”

Claire nodded in agreement. “You’re right; it’s the thought that counts. Let’s go!”

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