Richard thought his meeting with Bernie Ecclestone was nothing more than a formality that didn't warrant much reflection.
After exchanging a firm handshake and a few courteous words, Bernie excused himself, leaving Richard alone with Vince McMahon.
Richard chose to remain reserved. The reception, after all, wasn't an official Formula 1 gathering but a promotional event organized under a third-party banner. Since he was there, it wasn't wrong to think of it as just another evening of polite networking under bright lights and champagne/orange juice chatter.
"Are you interested in SLEC shares?"
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Vince said to Richard, catching him completely off guard and leaving him momentarily speechless.
"...What?"
"SLEC shares, do you want it?"
