Chapter 5: The First Domino
The air in the ultra-exclusive luxury boutique on Rodeo Drive was thick with the scent of expensive leather and arrogant privilege. Victoria twirled in front of the mirror, wearing a diamond-encrusted necklace worth a staggering two hundred thousand dollars. "Oh, Ricky, it's perfect!" she squealed, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Wrap it up," Richard told the boutique manager with a dismissive wave of his black Amex card. He leaned against the counter, exuding the smug aura of a man who owned the world.
The manager swiped the card. The machine beeped a sharp, negative tone. The manager frowned, trying it again. Declined. "I'm sorry, Mr. Sterling, but the transaction isn't going through. Perhaps a fraud alert?"
Richard scoffed, his face flushing red as other wealthy patrons began to glance in his direction. "It's a black card, you idiot. There is no limit. Try my platinum." He tossed another card onto the glass counter. Swiped. Declined.
May you like
Victoria’s smile faltered. "Ricky, what's going on? Are you embarrassing me?"
Panicking, Richard pulled out his phone and opened his banking app. The screen loaded, and the color violently drained from his face. Where there were usually nine-figure balances, there were now only rows of terrifying, glaring red zeroes. Next to every single personal and joint account was a single, devastating word: FROZEN - PENDING FEDERAL INJUNCTION.
