Chapter 21 - Watching credit cards decline at exclusive Manhattan restaurants as frozen assets leave the once-arrogant duo completely broke and destitute within forty-eight hours.
Released briefly pending his final sentencing hearing, Ethan tried to buy a cheap sandwich at a deli near his rundown motel.
He swiped his debit card, only for the register to beep harshly with a flashing red light indicating insufficient funds.
"Card declined, buddy; try another form of payment or step aside," the cashier said bluntly, waving the next customer forward.
Ethan stared at the plastic card in his hand, realizing every single bank account he owned had been completely wiped clean.
Across town, Eleanor experienced the exact same humiliation when her last remaining department store charge card was rejected at the counter.
The lifestyle of luxury, private jets, and bespoke designer suits was replaced by cheap instant noodles and motel room tap water.
They had reached the absolute bottom of the socioeconomic ladder, paying the heavy price for their greed and arrogance.
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The fall from grace was absolute, rapid, and entirely irreversible.
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