His phone rang. Margaret's name appeared on the screen, followed by a message that she was outside and walking in. A moment later the glass doors opened, admitting a woman in a charcoal business suit carrying a slim leather briefcase. Her silver-framed glasses caught the showroom light, and her expression was professionally neutral until she reached Daniel.
"Sorry I'm late," she said. "Traffic on Fifth Street was terrible, but I have every document."
"Perfect timing, Margaret," Daniel replied. He gestured toward the people gathered around the sales counter.
"Everyone, this is Margaret Hayes, my attorney and general counsel at Brooks Holdings." Victor shifted uncomfortably.
"An attorney? Why would anybody bring an attorney to buy a car?" Margaret placed her briefcase on a nearby desk.
"Mr. Sterling, I represent Brooks Holdings. I believe you and I have a separate matter to discuss."
"What separate matter?" Victor asked. Margaret opened the first folder and set a certified notice in front of him.
"At nine o'clock this morning, our affiliated lending entity completed the purchase of the outstanding commercial note formerly held by Harbor Trust Bank. That note is secured in part by a mortgage lien on this property and related collateral. You should have received electronic notice already."
Victor went still. "My loan?"
Margaret nodded. "The three-million-dollar facility, plus accrued interest and amounts specified in its servicing documents. The bank agreed to assign it at a negotiated discount after prolonged payment trouble."
Victor looked at Daniel with sudden outrage. "You bought my debt?"
"Through my company," Daniel said.
"Yes. I am now your lender, and as of today I'm also your customer." He let the distinction settle before continuing.
"I don't own this building merely because I hold the mortgage. I'm not pretending a note assignment transfers the deed. But the loan terms, the approaching cure deadline, and the choices available to you have changed."
"This is a mistake," Victor said. "I'm calling Harbor Trust." Margaret handed him the number of the loan officer who had signed the assignment acknowledgment.
"Please do. We've already supplied the documents to your registered counsel. I'd rather everyone hear the same facts from the same source."
Victor stepped away to place the call. The five minutes he spent speaking to the bank were the longest minutes Daniel had experienced in the showroom, longer even than the time he had waited for his wire transfer. He watched Victor walk from one side of the office to the other, one hand pressed to his ear, his expression changing as the banker confirmed each detail. The transfer was valid, the note had been assigned, and the default notice remained in effect.
By the time Victor returned, his collar appeared too tight. "Why would a man worth billions buy a three-million-dollar loan on one small dealership?" he demanded. Daniel looked at the car under the lights and then back to him.