Chapter 403:

The man smiled apologetically. "I am very sorry, ma'am. May I please see your identification?"

Blake's expression darkened. "What do you mean by that? Are you suggesting we snuck in here?"

The man regarded them with a trace of disdain. "I'm simply adhering to established protocol. If you wish to interact with the products, we must first record your information. This way, if anything goes wrong with a product due to your use, we can address any issues promptly." The implication was clear, despite his polite tone.

Blake was about to lose his temper, but Alicia intervened. She redirected her attention to a nearby display where a couple—a well-known tycoon and his wife—were enjoying the experience, greeted by several smiling attendants.

Alicia, never one to shy from confrontation, boldly asked, "Are you asking for proof of our financial standing?"

The man responded without hesitation. "Ma'am, please don't make this more difficult. This screen alone is valued at over a million dollars. If anything were to happen, and you couldn't cover the cost, I would be held responsible."

Blake could contain himself no longer. "If something goes wrong after she's only had one opportunity to interact with it, maybe you should reconsider why the product is so fragile, instead of preventing us from touching it."

"Sir, there's no need to be upset," the man said, gesturing towards a rest area. "You've been on your feet for quite some time, and I'm sure you're tired. There's a rest area over there with complimentary coffee and desserts. Please, help yourselves." His tone held a hint of mockery.

Alicia laughed. "We've only been here for half an hour. How could we be as tired as you? You're on your feet all day. What do they pay you for such a long day's work?"

Caught off guard, the man quickly replied, "Well, it's probably less than what you all earn here, considering you're the bosses."

Alicia raised an eyebrow. "Could it be fifteen thousand dollars?"

The man's face subtly shifted. Noticing his reaction, Alicia continued, smiling, "Seven thousand dollars? Four thousand dollars?"

Blake joined in, teasing, "Maybe only five hundred dollars?"

The man snapped, "Two thousand dollars, after taxes."

Blake laughed, amused by the immediate response. "Per day? That's not too bad."

The man's cheeks flushed. His two thousand dollars was actually his monthly wage, but he was too embarrassed to correct Blake.

Alicia glanced at his name badge and said coldly, "I had assumed you were in a higher position, considering how capable you were of screening clients for your boss."