Chapter 3 - THE MANHATTAN LOCKDOWN
By midnight, the video clip of Ethan’s betrayal had racked up tens of millions of views across national news outlets and social media platforms. Ethan stood outside the private penthouse elevator on Fifth Avenue, furiously punching the biometric security keypad that refused to accept his access code.
"Open this door, Claire!" Ethan shouted through the reinforced steel frame, pounding his fist against the polished surface. "You are six months pregnant with my child, and you cannot lock me out of my own home!"
The small security speaker beside the frame chimed softly, illuminating the dark hallway with a bright blue light. Claire’s calm, level voice echoed through the speaker with terrifying finality.
"This penthouse was purchased through my father's trust fund prior to our marriage, Ethan," Claire stated, her words cutting through his panic like a scalpel. "Your personal items have already been packed and delivered to your mother’s country club residence."
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Victoria arrived in the lobby ten minutes later, her face pale as she rushed over to her son with two high-powered corporate lawyers trailing behind her. She grabbed Ethan’s arm, her voice trembling with intense urgency.
"Stop shouting like a street beggar, Ethan!" Victoria hissed, pulling him away from the elevator doors. "The board of directors is holding an emergency meeting at dawn, and we need to freeze her voting proxy before she ruins Sterling Enterprises!"
