Dressed in a crisp white blouse, black dress pants, and modest low heels, she looked polished but understated—nothing flashy, just practical elegance.
Around her neck, a simple necklace caught the light. She brushed a loose strand of hair from her face and scanned the room.
She wasn’t here to make a statement. She needed a reliable, high-end vehicle for the grueling schedule she juggled every day.
Her eyes locked onto a midnight blue Azure Coupe—a machine that balanced strength with refinement.
A young salesman approached almost immediately, carrying a stack of brochures.
Before he could say a word, a taller man in a tailored gray suit cut in smoothly, smiling wide.
“Welcome to Capital Luxury Motors,” he said, offering a handshake that Karoline politely returned.
“I’m Blake Thompson, sales manager here. How can I help you today?”
Karoline nodded toward the Azure Coupe.
“I’d like to take a closer look at that one,” she said.
Blake’s eyes flicked briefly over her outfit, the simple necklace, the scuffed corner of her well-worn briefcase.
“You’re interested in the Azure Coupe?” he asked, the surprise barely masked.
Prejudice, Without Words
He didn’t say anything overtly rude.
But the hesitation—the glance—the almost imperceptible smile of disbelief—said enough.
“It’s one of our top models,” Blake continued, voice warm but patronizing.
“Limited edition. Six-figure price tag. Not the kind of car we show casually.”
Karoline kept her tone steady.
“I know what it is. I’m interested.”
