Chapter 3: The Black Card Meltdown
The boutique fell into an eerie silence. Even the security guards, usually hovering in the background, stopped their patrol, their attention fixed on the exchange.
"You're lying," Chloe gasped, though her hands were shaking. She reached into her designer bag, pulled out her black card, and slammed it onto the counter. "Process the items. Now. I’ll show you who owns this store."
Maya didn't touch the card. Instead, she leaned over and tapped a key on the register. The screen flashed a bright, angry crimson: TRANSACTION DECLINED: ACCOUNT CLOSED.
"That card is a relic of your husband’s former prestige," Maya said, her voice echoing in the vast space. "The banks froze all assets associated with the Montgomery holding company twenty minutes ago. You aren't a queen, Chloe. You’re a liability."
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Chloe’s phone began to vibrate violently in her hand. It was a call from her husband. She answered, her face contorting in desperation. "Marcus? What is happening? The bank, the cards—"
A muffled, frantic voice came through the speaker, distorted by panic. “Get out, Chloe! They’ve seized everything. The house, the cars, the accounts. We’re being served with a warrant right now!”
