Chapter 5 - Escaping The Ballroom Under A Cloud Of Shame
Back inside the ballroom, the crystal chandeliers felt heavy and oppressive as the remaining guests fled the scene.
Elena stood frozen near the empty buffet table, her mascara running down her cheeks in messy, dark streaks.
The country club manager walked over cautiously, holding a silver tray containing Elena's abandoned designer handbag.
"Mrs. Vance, I'm afraid your corporate membership has been automatically suspended due to billing failures," the manager said.
"Suspended? Do you know who my husband is?!" Elena yelled, grabbing the manager by the lapel of his tuxedo.
"Your husband's legal team called five minutes ago to file for an emergency divorce and asset separation," the manager replied coldly.
Elena shoved him away, grabbing her bag and sprinting toward the private service elevators to avoid the press outside.
She pushed past the kitchen staff, running out into the dark alleyway where her luxury sports car was parked.
Her electronic key fob blinked red repeatedly, refusing to unlock the vehicle's doors due to the remote bank freeze.
She screamed in frustration, kicking the passenger side door until her designer shoe heel snapped cleanly in half.
A black taxi idled nearby in the rain, its driver staring at her with a look of bored indifference.
Elena threw herself into the back seat, slamming the door shut as the cab pulled away into the wet Manhattan night.
She pulled out her personal phone, dialing her high-priced corporate defense attorney with trembling fingers.
The line rang four times before an automated recording cut in: “This subscriber's service has been temporarily disconnected.”
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Elena dropped the phone onto the floor mat, burying her face in her hands as silent, bitter sobs shook her frame.
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